Although the artwork of many high school students stays piled up at their homes, DBHS’ freshman Hailey Shi will have her painting displayed in Washington D.C. this summer. On May 5, Shi won the grand prize in this district’s Congressional Art Competition and will be traveling to the Capitol to see her painting hung there.

“When he called out first place and it was my name, I was so happy,” Shi said. “Everyone was clapping and I became really emotional because so many people supported me to get this.”

The Congressional Art Competition is held annually for high school students across the country. More than 650,000 students have participated in this competition since 1982. Each Congressional district has their own winners, and Shi won the grand prize for the 39th District.

Shi’s work, “Flying With Hope,” portrays a message of hope for children with disabilities. Inspired by a documentary she watched about a woman without arms, Shi wanted her work to show that everyone can find happiness. In this painting, Shi is teaching a boy without arms to draw with his foot. Her vibrant painting was meant to symbolize the meaning of “joy and transformation.”

“A disabled child’s future transforms in to a really bright and colorful one in my painting,” Shi said. “I wanted to show that they can use creativity to make their lives a lot happier and brighter.”

Shi was awarded two plane tickets to Washington, D.C. and an invitation to see her painting hung at the Capitol. Her artwork will remain on display until next year’s winner replaces her artwork.

“I’m very honored,” Shi said. “This is the first time any of my paintings have made it to the Capitol.”

Starting to draw at 5, Shi has been sweeping up competition trophies since her elementary school years. Shi has won first place in multiple competitions, including the National Holocaust art competition, the Music K-8 National Art competition, and the Walnut Valley Water District competition. Her successes have pushed her to try harder every year.

“I really want to thank everyone that supported me through every competition,” Shi said. “Here’s a shout out to my family for continuing to push me towards this direction.”