Press Releases

LOWELL MA – Yesterday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) named Billerica Memorial High School 11th grader Joonho Lee as the winner of the Third District’s 2025 Congressional Art Competition during a reception honoring participants of this year’s challenge held at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts.

Joonho’s original artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside other winners, and he will be invited to Washington, DC for the annual awards ceremony in June. His artwork, entitled “Boundless Nexus” uses colored pencil on paper to create a cyborg-like figure stretching across different panels depicting landscapes and elements in nature.

“Every year, the Congressional Art Competition is a powerful reminder of just how much imagination and potential lives right here in our district. Our incredibly talented student artists have once again captured the spirit of our local landmarks, the beauty of our neighborhoods, and the identity of our Commonwealth in ways words sometimes can’t,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Joonho’s drawing beautifully connects so many worlds – from the depth of the ocean to the language of code and the vastness of space. I am honored to continue this tradition of celebrating young artists and look forward to seeing his artwork on display in the United States Capitol.”

There was a tie for second place, resulting in two winners. The second-place awards go to Sherry Ye, a 10th grader at Westford Academy, for her piece “Chasing Their Standards”, and Baiyu (Cici) Zou, a 10th grader at St. Mark’s School, for her piece “Her Heart Seeks Freedom.” Trahan’s office received 25 entries from students across the Third District. She invited several area art experts to help her select the winner, including Sara Bogosian of the Whistler House Museum Of Art, Emily Mazzola of the Fitchburg Art Museum, and Eileen Williston of The Umbrella Arts Center.

About the Art Competition: Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC.

The winning pieces are displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol. In addition, the winner will be invited to a celebratory reception in Washington D.C. in June.

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