Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Alabama’s 7th Congressional District. Rep. Sewell made the announcement Saturday afternoon during a reception at Ramsay High School celebrating the 36 entries submitted by talented students from across the district.
Eden Smith, a 9th grader at Paul W. Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa, was awarded first place for her submission entitled “Baptist Church.”
“We in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District are incredibly fortunate to have such talented young artists!” said Rep. Sewell. “Once again, I was truly amazed by all 36 submissions, and I am proud of every student who participated this year.”
“Congratulations to our first place winner, Eden Smith, who beautifully captured our theme, ‘Reflecting on Alabama’s 7th: Where History is Made,’” continued Sewell. “I look forward to welcoming her to Washington, D.C. and showcasing her artwork in the U.S. Capitol this year!”
Smith’s artwork will be matted, framed, and displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. for one year. She and a guardian will receive roundtrip airfare to Washington D.C. to attend the National Congressional Art Competition Reception.
The other students that placed were:
2nd Place – “Selma to Montgomery” by Mya René Parker, 9th grader at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in Fultondale
3rd Place – “Past, Present, and Future” by Kyra Hall, 9th grader at Selma High School in Selma
4th Place – “Reflecting on 2 Educations” by Shaderria Woods, 10th grader at A.H. Parker High School in Birmingham
Honorable Mention – “Origins of Alabama” by Taylor Crocker, 12th grader at Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in Fultondale.
