Press Releases

WASHINGTON - Congresswoman De La Cruz (TX-15) announced the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Texas's 15th District, Ashley Esparza from Achieve Early College High School. Ashley's piece, "Little Patriots, Big Dreams," was selected from entries submitted by high school artists across the district. As the first-place winner, Ashley's piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside winning artwork from districts across the country.

De La Cruz also honored second-place winner Julisa Saenz from Edinburg North High School for her piece, "Freedom," and Gabbriella Gaines from Three Rivers Junior-Senior High School for her third-place piece, "I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream."

"I am thrilled to congratulate Ashley on this incredible achievement! Her work beautifully captures the spirit of this year's theme, 'America 250', and it will be an inspirational and patriotic addition to the halls of the Capitol. I am proud of all the students who participated, and I hope you all continue to share your passion for creativity." - Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz

Little Patriots, Big Dreams by Ashley Esparza

Background:

Every spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual arts competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and each Congressional District. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.

This year's competition was judged by a panel of educators and artists: Ashley Gonzalez from Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District (ECISD), Rigobert Gonzalez, University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), and Cecilia Garza, South Texas artist.

For more information about the annual art competition, please visit our website here