San Bernardino, CA— Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-San Bernardino) hosted the May 15th awards ceremony at the Garcia Center for the Arts in San Bernardino to announce the winner of the 2017 Congressional Art Competition. The national contest is open to high school artists from each congressional district in the country. They compete to have their work hung in the United States Capitol building for one year. Rep. Aguilar, along with a panel of judges, selected Rialto High School student Gemma Delgado’s submission, “The Start of Something Great” as this year’s winning piece out of nearly forty entries. The theme of this year’s contest was “My Wish” and focused on students’ wishes, which could include their personal aspirations or that for their home or family.

“I was blown away by the passion and originality behind every entry,” said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, “I look forward to this contest each year because it gives our kids a chance to express themselves creatively, while sharing their talent with our community. I’m so proud of all the hard work that went into each and every submission.”

The judging panel was composed of local art experts and educators. Gemma’s inspiration for her work came from her grandparents, who have been married for over sixty years. As the first place winner, Gemma will receive free airfare to Washington, DC, courtesy of Southwest, where her artwork will be on display for one year in the United States Capitol. Charter Communications also awarded her $1,000 for hotel accommodations and expenses for her visit to Washington.

2nd place was given to  Brokendown Believers, Hillary Wongkar, Grade 10, Rialto High School and the 3rd place went to Silencing the Cries, Ixsel Candillo, Grade 11, Rialto High School.