SCRANTON, PA — Three out of four winners of Congressman Matt Cartwright’s 2023 Congressional District Art Competition are high school students from the Poconos. 

Zoe Nester, a senior at Delaware Valley High School, took home first place honors for her multi-media entry, titled “Colorblind,” which she describes as “meant to bring to life the struggles with this disability.” 

Youngeun Choi, a junior at Delaware Valley High School, came in second place for her acrylic and ink entry titled “Victims,” which depicts a somber portrayal of ivory poaching and elephant hunting. 

Shannen Havel, a senior at Delaware Valley High School, was awarded honorable mention for his digital artwork, titled “Things aren’t Always What they Seem to Be,” a graphic illustration created out of song lyrics. 

Rep. Cartwright announced the winners during a reception held at Scranton’s Everhart Museum on April 21. The congressman welcomed 76 students, their families and teachers to the gallery opening where 87 pieces of art from ten regional high schools were on display. 

“This competition reflects how the arts continue to thrive in our school districts, thanks to the incredible talents of our students and the dedication of art educators who encourage creativity and inspire imagination,” said Cartwright. “The celebration and excitement this competition brings to our students, parents and teachers is uplifting, and I’m incredibly proud of this year’s entrants.” 

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors the nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. 

Students submitted entries to Cartwright’s office, and a panel of district artists selected the winners. Zoe Nester will be recognized at the annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., and her winning artwork will be displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.