Rep. Tokuda announces winners of Congressional Art Competition

US Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) announced Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District winners for the US House of Representatives’ Artistic Discovery Contest in a ceremony held at Windward Community College, Saturday.

Artwork was submitted from multiple islands. Professors from the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu and Windward Community College assisted in judging and selecting the finalists. A pencil on paper drawing titled “Self-Portrait” was selected as the winner. The artist is Emily-Ann Oshiro, a senior at James B. Castle High School.

Emily-Ann’s art will be displayed in the Cannon tunnel of the US Capitol for one year so Members of Congress and other visitors can see her winning entry. She is also invited to attend the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. where she and the winners from other congressional districts will be honored.

“Once again, we received impressive pieces of outstanding artwork from across our islands. Their use of various mediums and the depth and meaning behind their creations highlight the talent and creativity of our students. I will be proud to see Emily-Ann’s creative and bold self-portrait as I walk to the Capitol each day,” said Tokuda. “Mahalo to all the teachers and families who have guided and supported these talented students, and congratulations and best wishes to all our finalists.”

Each spring, the US House of Representatives sponsors this high school art competition in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories to showcase the artistic talent of youths across the nation. 

The 2025 winners from Hawaiʻi’s Second Congressional District include the following:

1st place

Emily-Ann Oshiro
James B. Castle High School, 12th grade
“Self-Portrait” (pencil on paper)

2nd place

Geneva Phillips
Keaʻau High School, 12th grade
“The Endemic ‘Alalā” (colored pencil)

3rd place

Emily-Ann Oshiro
James B. Castle High School, 12th grade
“Alpinia Purpurata (Red Ginger)” (watercolor)

Honorable Mention

Sadie Stafford
Maui Preparatory Academy, 11th grade
“Sweet 15” (pencil on paper)