Pappas Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners, Hosts Reception for NH Student Artists
Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) hosted high school artists from across the First District, their families, and community leaders for a reception at the Currier Museum of Art as part of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Congressman Pappas presented this year’s first-place award to Julia Thomas, a student at Raymond High School. Second and third-place recognition was awarded to Sophie Roux, a student at Manchester Central High School, and Chrystiana Badoian, a student at Bedford High School, respectively.
The panel of judges also awarded honorable mentions to Nathan St. Louis from Goffstown High School, Daniel Kim from Phillips Exeter Academy, Lora Kotlyarsky from Pinkerton Academy, Sam Pearson from Pinkerton Academy, and Leelabari Adumene from Manchester Memorial High School.
“With the Congressional Art Competition, we remember to recognize and celebrate how important arts education is to our young people and uplift young talent. This year, we received 56 excellent submissions from student artists across the First District this year. Their paintings, photographs, and other media showcase everything from New Hampshire’s beautiful landscapes and incredible works of self-reflection and family,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m glad to be able to celebrate all of these impressive, thoughtful, and creative works of art, and I thank each student who shared their skill and passion with us.”
Each spring Congressman Pappas has hosted the First District’s art contest as part of a nationwide high school arts competition sponsored by Members of Congress in collaboration with the Congressional Institute. The competition is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in New Hampshire.
High school students who attend schools in or live in New Hampshire's First Congressional District are eligible to participate. The winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol as part of an exhibit with winners from around the country.
2026 Congressional Art Competition Winners in New Hampshire's First Congressional District:
First Place: Julia Thomas, Raymond High School, “Keeping the Fire”
Second Place:, Sophie Roux, Manchester Central High School, “The Dreamer”
Third Place:, Chrystiana Badoian, Bedford High School, “Unapologetically Flo: Florynce Kennedy”
Honorable Mentions:
Nathan St. Louis, Goffstown High School, “Beach”
Daniel Kim, Phillips Exeter Academy, “Silent Reflection”
Lora Kotlyarsky, Pinkerton Academy, “From the Waters”
Sam Pearson, Pinkerton Academy, “Splash”
Leelabari Adumene, Manchester Memorial High School, “Roots”