Press ReleaseCeremonial2026-05-12

LaHood Hosts 11th Annual 16th District Congressional Art Competition Reception

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This press release from Representative Darin LaHood (R-IL) was published on 2026-05-12 and titled "LaHood Hosts 11th Annual 16th District Congressional Art Competition Reception".

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LaHood Hosts 11th Annual 16th District Congressional Art Competition Reception

Peoria, Illinois - Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) hosted his 11th annual reception for the Congressional Art Competition at the Peoria Riverfront Museum alongside President John Morris, where he announced this year's finalists for Illinois' 16th Congressional District. "Every year, I am amazed by the creativity and tremendous artistic talent of high school students throughout Illinois' 16th Congressional District," said Rep. LaHood. "This year was unique as we had a tie for second place - both pieces will be displayed in my Washington, D.C. Office. I thank all the teachers, families, and students who made this year's competition a success. Congratulations to all our finalists, and particularly this year's winner, Namratha Dinesh, and her piece, 'Just Like Amma,' which will be hung in the United States Capitol for the next year. I look forward to seeing it again in Washington, D.C.!" Pictured below is Namratha's winning piece, "Just Like Amma" Background: This year was Congressman LaHood's eleventh Congressional Art Competition. Participants were judged anonymously by a volunteer panel, and award winners were chosen by a cumulative vote. There were 75 pieces of art submitted from 13 schools throughout the 16th District. This year's pieces were on display throughout April at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Winning Piece to be Hung in the Capitol: " Just like Amma" by Namratha Dinesh, Dunlap High School Second Place Winners to be hung in Rep. LaHood's D.C. office: "Dunquin Pier, April 2, 7:47PM" by Elizabeth Jones, Metamora Township High School "Stillness Before the Verdict" by Halle Pfeiffer, East Peoria Community High School Honorable Mentions to be hung in Illinois' 16th Congressional District offices: "The Ocean Remembers" by Mallory Pierce, Homeschool "Mirage" by Samantha Ayers, Metamora Township High School ###

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LaHood Hosts 11th Annual 16th District Congressional Art Competition Reception Peoria, Illinois - Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) hosted his 11th annual reception for the Congressional Art Competition at the Peoria Riverfront Museum alongside President John Morris, where he announced this year's finalists for Illinois' 16th Congressional District. "Every year, I am amazed by the creativity and tremendous artistic talent of high school students throughout Illinois' 16th Congressional District," said Rep. LaHood. "This year was unique as we had a tie for second place - both pieces will be displayed in my Washington, D.C. Office. I thank all the teachers, families, and students who made this year's competition a success. Congratulations to all our finalists, and particularly this year's winner, Namratha Dinesh, and her piece, 'Just Like Amma,' which will be hung in the United States Capitol for the next year. I look forward to seeing it again in Washington, D.C.!" Pictured below is Namratha's winning piece, "Just Like Amma" Background: This year was Congressman LaHood's eleventh Congressional Art Competition. Participants were judged anonymously by a volunteer panel, and award winners were chosen by a cumulative vote. There were 75 pieces of art submitted from 13 schools throughout the 16th District. This year's pieces were on display throughout April at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Winning Piece to be Hung in the Capitol: " Just like Amma" by Namratha Dinesh, Dunlap High School Second Place Winners to be hung in Rep. LaHood's D.C. office: "Dunquin Pier, April 2, 7:47PM" by Elizabeth Jones, Metamora Township High School "Stillness Before the Verdict" by Halle Pfeiffer, East Peoria Community High School Honorable Mentions to be hung in Illinois' 16th Congressional District offices: "The Ocean Remembers" by Mallory Pierce, Homeschool "Mirage" by Samantha Ayers, Metamora Township High School ###