Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) students have won the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for Georgia’s 7th and 9th Congressional Districts.

     Whitney Yeboah, a 10th-grade student at Brookwood High School, won first place for the 7th Congressional District with her work of art, “Kingsley.” Rebecca Lee, an 11th-grade North Gwinnett High School student, won first place for the 9th Congressional District with her artwork, “Box of Memories.” The students’ submissions will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year.  The tunnel is the most highly traveled access point between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Capitol. Every day, members of Congress, distinguished visitors, and tens of thousands of tourists walk through the tunnel and admire the artwork. The winning students, each accompanied by one parent, will also receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the nation’s capital to attend a celebration with other contestants nationwide.   

     GCPS Director of Fine Arts, David DuBose, is proud of the students. “This remarkable achievement not only highlights our students’ exceptional talent and creativity but also underscores the dedication and hard work they have put into their artistic pursuits,” Dubose shares. “Winning such a distinguished award is a testament to their passion for the arts and ability to excel nationally.”

     Two other GCPS students also fared well in the competition. Brookwood High’s Beruhe Fentahun placed third in the 7th Congressional District. The 10th-grader’s piece is called “Children’s Beauty.” Gianna Repta, a 12th-grade student at Seckinger High School, placed third in the 9th Congressional District. Her artwork is called “Farm to Table.”

     DuBose says the students’ success reflects GCPS’ commitment to fostering an environment where the arts are valued and nurtured. He shares, “Our educators and art programs play a crucial role in providing students with the skills and opportunities to explore and develop their artistic talents. This recognition is a celebration of the entire GCPS community’s support for the arts, from dedicated teachers to engaged parents. We believe in the power of the arts to inspire and enrich our students’ lives, and these awards affirm that belief.”

     For the past 43 years, the bipartisan Congressional Art Competition has celebrated the artistic achievements of the nation’s high school students. More than 10,000 student paintings have been hung and enjoyed by millions of visitors since it began in 1982. High school students must enter the competition for the congressional district in which they live. Once a winner from each congressional district is chosen, each congressional office sends the winning artwork to Washington, D.C., and the Congressional Institute facilitates handing the pieces to the Architect’s Office for hanging. Each U.S. House of Representatives member and the Congressional Institute sponsors the competition annually.