Guam Delegate James Moylan announced the winners of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, recognizing Guam high school students for artwork centered on the theme “How Guam Shapes Me.”
The annual nationwide competition invites students from congressional districts across the country to create artwork reflecting their communities, culture and personal experiences.
This year’s Guam winners were selected by a panel of local judges from the island’s arts and cultural community.
The winners are:
• First place: Carmel Mariano of St. John’s School for “Magandang Umaga”
• Second place: John Dudkiewicz of George Washington High School for “Culture & History”
• Third place: Cara Guerrero for “Waves of Memories”
• People’s Choice Award: Mia Grasser of Notre Dame High School for “More Than Meets the Eye”
As the first-place winner, Mariano’s artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside winning entries from across the nation.
“Our young artists continue to amaze us with their creativity and ability to tell powerful stories through their work,” Moylan said in a statement.
Moylan also thanked this year’s judges, including Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, Creative Indeed founder Michelle Pier, Christine Mantanane of the Tini & Wise Podcast, mosaic artist Mark Murer and Guam Leaf founder Andrea Murer.
The delegate also recognized the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency and Director Angie Taitague for hosting the competition and supporting youth arts programs on Guam.
