U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, who represents Schuylkill County in Congress, has announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition Monday. All three winning entries were created by students at Schuylkill Haven Area High School.
The competition’s first-place honor went to junior Arianna Yule for her artwork titled “Untitled” (The Barn) [Photo above]. Yule’s winning piece will hang in the U.S. Capitol building for one year, displayed alongside other winning entries from congressional districts nationwide.
Heidi Stone, a senior at Schuylkill Haven Area High School, earned second place with her entry, “Untitled” (Mountain Scene). Stone’s artwork will be featured in Congressman Meuser’s Washington, D.C. office.
Another senior, Sarah Tiver, placed third with “Untitled” (Chalet). Tiver’s piece will be exhibited locally in Meuser’s district office in Pottsville.
The judging process was conducted blindly, meaning students’ identities and school affiliations remained anonymous until after selections were finalized. It was only after choosing the three winning entries that officials discovered all winners attended the same high school. This unintentional outcome highlights the strength of Schuylkill Haven’s art program under the guidance of art teacher Luke Ott.
Ott, a 2004 graduate of Blue Mountain High School, earned his bachelor’s degree in art education from Kutztown University in 2008. Since 2009, he has taught art at Schuylkill Haven Area High School.
In addition to teaching, Ott maintains a ceramics studio in his home. Ott’s art has gained recognition nationally and internationally, with recent exhibitions including the 2023 Strictly Functional Pottery National and both the 2023 and 2024 International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Fine Craft.
“Congratulations to Arianna Yule on her first-place entry—your talent and creativity stood out among many strong submissions,” Meuser says. “It’s a tremendous opportunity to have your work displayed in the U.S. Capitol, where it will be seen by thousands over the next year.”
Meuser emphasized the importance of supporting young artists through this annual event, noting his office’s pride in participating each year.
“The Congressional Art Competition is a meaningful way to support and celebrate young artists, and my office always enjoys participating in this annual tradition,” Meuser continued. “I also want to commend Heidi Stone and Sarah Tiver for their exceptional second- and third-place entries and thank all the students who took part this year.”
Meuser specifically recognized Ott’s contribution to developing student talent at Schuylkill Haven.
“Special recognition goes to art teacher Luke Ott, whose impressive program at Schuylkill Haven High School continues to foster outstanding young talent,” Meuser said.
The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide high school students across America an opportunity to showcase their artistic talents. Each spring, Members of Congress sponsor contests within their districts, and the winning works are prominently displayed in Washington, D.C.
Photos submitted/Information from press release
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