Congressman Gonzalez Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional Art Competition

BROWNSVILLE, TX – On Friday May 2, 2025, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) announced the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Sophia C. Acevedo-Gomez, a 12th grade student at Veterans Memorial Early College High School in Brownsville, Texas, was the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Acevedo-Gomez’s winning piece, “Unspoken Empathy” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year alongside the other winners from across the country.  

Since 1982, over 650,000 high school students have entered for a chance to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Each year, the competition has allowed students from the 34th Congressional District of Texas to showcase their talents and creativity through their works of art. This year, the Congressman’s office received 94 total submissions.

Art Competition winners will have the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception honoring winners from each congressional district.  In addition, she will be eligible to receive a $3,000 art scholarship to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), should they apply and be accepted for enrollment.   

“I am honored to recognize Sophia for this extraordinary work of art,” said Congressman Gonzalez. “Sophia’s ability to depict compassion and empathy through such a piece is admirable. Congratulations to her and our other winners! We must continue to support our young South Texans and their pursuit of their passions for the arts. I am excited to welcome Sophia and her artwork to Washington, D.C.” 

For information regarding future art competitions, deadlines, rules, and eligibility, please visit gonzalez.house.gov or contact Congressman Gonzalez's District Offices at 956-682-5545.  Press can view more photos of the event using this link.

Full list of winners below:

1st Place 
Unspoken Empathy 
Sophia C. Acevedo (12th grade) 
Veterans Memorial Early College High School 

2nd Place 
State Bound 
Mailyn Matoviche (12th grade) 
Lopez Early College High School 

3rd Place 
I am Made from the Fragility of Opal 
Itzel Martinez (11th grade) 
Rivera Early College High School 

4th Place 
Ojitos Lindos 
Adrian Garcia (11th grade) 
Edinburg High School 

5th Place 
She Leads the Way 
Sofia Marie Trevino (10th grade) 
Homeschool 

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