DuBOIS — U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson announced that Clarion-Limestone High School junior Emma Zacherl has been named the 2026 Congressional Art Competition winner for her oil painting, “Redhawk.”
Zacherl, of Clarion, was selected by an independent panel of judges from a field of 43 entries.
She also claimed top honors in the competition in 2024 and 2025, marking her third consecutive win.
High school artists from across the region gathered Saturday for an exhibit at the Winkler Gallery and Art Education Center in downtown DuBois, where the entries were displayed.
“Emma Zacherl’s artwork is top-tier and a reflection of her hard work,” Thompson said. “Emma should be proud of this achievement, and I look forward to welcoming her to our nation’s capital later this year.”
Zacherl is taught by Kendra Zerbe.
The Congressional Art Competition, established in 1982, is designed to recognize and encourage artistic talent among high school students nationwide.
More than 650,000 students have participated in the program since its inception.
Zacherl’s winning piece will be displayed for one year in a special exhibit at the U.S. Capitol alongside artwork from winners representing congressional districts across the country.
She has also been invited to attend a reception in Washington, D.C., with fellow winners in June.
Other top finishers in the 2026 competition include Maya Fatula of DuBois Area High School, who earned second place for “Unexplored City,” under the guidance of teacher Cheyenne Kanouff; Rosalynn Renfrew of Keystone High School, who placed third for “Dear Emelia,” taught by Janet Hockman; and Cameron Sarick of DuBois Area High School, who took fourth place for “In the Friday Night Lights,” also taught by Kanouff.
