GHS Junior, Kalilah Gomez, wins Congressional Art Competition

Groesbeck ISD recently announced that their own Groesbeck High School junior, Kalilah Gomez won the overall 2023 Congressional Art Competition this year. Her piece, titled “Child of Freedom” was one of 15 pieces that entered this year’s competition regionally and advanced to the semi-finals with four other number-one pieces from all around the state in the 17th District.

The Congressional Art Competition is a decades-long tradition meant to encourage and recognize the rich talent of young artists throughout the country. Every spring, Congressman Pete Sessions invites students from the 17th District to join this annual competition and showcase their artistic skills.

This year’s theme for Texas’ 17th Congressional District was “Patriotism in America” as an opportunity for students to showcase why they are proud to be an American. Gomez showed her pride in being an American as well as being proud to represent Groesbeck High School.

Special thanks were given to her art teacher, Desirae Settlemyer for supporting and encouraging her creative endeavors.

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all students in grades 9–12 who reside or attend school in the 17th District. As the winner from Texas’ 17th District, Gomez will have her artwork displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.

Gomez will also receive a copy of a full-color book that exhibits each first-place artwork. The exhibit in Washington, D.C., will include the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country and it is also featured on the Congressional Art Competition page.

Earlier this month, Gomez earned a Superior Rating (IV) and Regional Medal at the Texas Art Education Association’s high school Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE) which means her work was considered superior quality for state competition! She is among many highly talented artists who earned this incredible award.

Gomez’s art teacher, Desirae Settlemyer praised her hard work and dedication.

“Kalilah Gomez has had quite a successful year in art. She competed at the Visual Arts Scholastic Event (VASE) this year as an Art 1 student. One of her pieces medaled at the Regional Level. Her other piece was selected to advance to State, where she earned a medal there as well. I am so proud of her for coming out of her shell a bit and pursuing competitions in art. Our most exciting event to participate in recently was the Congressional Art Competition for TXDistrict 17. We weren’t given much time, and the pressure was on. She needed to create a piece for the theme “Patriotism in America.” Kalilah created a beautiful graphite and colored pencil portrait of her as a child sitting in front of an American flag. Not only did her piece win the Waco region, but she won against the finalists across District 17 and will have her work displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. for the next year! The words “excited” and “proud” do not even begin to explain the feelings I have for her success. This contest is an amazing experience for students who excel creatively to show off their skills, and the whole nation will be given the chance to see hers. I am hoping this opens up opportunities for Kalilah to earn scholarships, or even gain some recognition for future endeavors, such as entries into art programs and creating commissioned work, if she so chooses. I knew when I met Kalilah when she was a sophomore, she would do great things in art. She couldn’t fit art into her schedule then, but her sketchbook was full of gorgeous, highly skilled sketches and I couldn’t wait to get her in my class. I am eagerly looking forward to what next year brings for her. This is only the beginning!”

*** Congressman Pete Session Facebook page posted on Monday, May 8.

“Congrats to all finalists and our winner Kalilah Gomez. Her artwork best captured the spirit of patriotism in our nation. I was encouraged by countless submissions that creatively exhibited values of courage, hope, and freedom at the heart of our country.”