Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) announced the winners of the 2025 Second District Congressional Art Competition at an event for student participants, parents, teachers, and judges. The Congressional Art Competition is a yearly national program open to high school students across the United States.

This year, Kevin Rojas, a senior at Longleaf School of the Arts, created the winning piece, “Surrounded But Forgotten.” Rojas’ piece was chosen by a panel of Wake County artists, art professionals, and educators, and it will hang in the halls of the U.S. Capitol Building for the next year.

“Art has a unique way of bridging cultural differences, transcending time and place, and expanding our horizons, “said Congresswoman Ross. “This year’s art competition was no exception, and as always, I was blown away by the talented artists in Wake County. At our event, we were able to honor and celebrate 49 students who submitted their artwork. They should all be very proud of their work, and I’m excited to bring some of these exceptional pieces back to Washington, D.C. to hang in the halls of Congress.”

1^st Place Winner: “Surrounded But Forgotten” by Kevin Rojas of Longleaf School of the Arts

2^nd Place Winner: “Life at the Market” by Jiayin Luo of Champion Education

3^rd Place Winner: “Sous L’eau” by Jenna Lee of Green Hope High School

People’s Choice Award Winner: “Beginning of Spring” by Sofia Jimenez of Saint Mary’s School

To view all of the submissions, click here. The first place winner will have their piece displayed in the U.S. Capitol building for an entire year along with artwork from students in all 50 states. Second place will hang in Congresswoman Ross’ Washington, D.C. office, and third place will hang in her Raleigh office. The People’s Choice Award Winner was selected by constituents of the district in an online ballot.