ELCO High School senior Lila Leisey wins congressional art competition

A Lebanon County student will have her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol after winning Congressman Dan Meuser’s 2026 Congressional Art Competition.

Lila Leisey, a 12th grader at ELCO High School, took first place with “Keystone State,” a 12-by-12-inch watercolor painting featuring squares designed to resemble a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch quilt pattern. Layered over each square are small linoleum prints depicting the Liberty Bell, a hex sign and mountain laurel — all symbols of Pennsylvania’s heritage.

This year’s competition carried the theme “America 250” in honor of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

“Lila’s artwork was truly exceptional,” Meuser said. “Having her piece displayed in the U.S. Capitol over the next year is a tremendous honor and a reflection of her hard work and artistic ability.”

Karina Aviles, a 10th grader at Shenandoah Valley High School, placed second with “How did we get here?” That piece will hang in Meuser’s Washington, D.C., office. Ariel Hall, a ninth grader at Williamsport Area High School, took third place with “Liberty Lives,” which will be displayed in the congressman’s Pottsville district office.

Thirteen students from across the 9th Congressional District participated in the competition. Meuser’s office hosted an art show April 28 at the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts in the historic Yuengling Mansion in Pottsville.