Kisa Lai, who just finished her junior year at Alhambra High School, was recognized among the region’s top young artists, earning fourth place in Congresswoman Judy Chu’s 2026 Congressional Art Competition. The annual competition showcases the artistic talents of high school students throughout California’s 28th Congressional District.
This year, more than 210 student artworks were submitted, with Lai’s piece selected as one of the competition’s Top 10 entries before ultimately being awarded fourth place at the Artistic Discovery Awards Ceremony held in May at the Arcadia Hilton. Lai’s recognition highlights the strength of the visual arts programs at Alhambra High School and the dedication she has shown in developing her artistic talents.
The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide program that provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate their creativity and gain recognition for their artistic achievements. Students are evaluated on originality, artistic skill, and overall presentation. Kisa earned an award of $300 and will have her artwork prominently displayed at Congresswoman Chu’s Pasadena office for the next year.
Alhambra Unified School District congratulates Kisa on this outstanding accomplishment and celebrates the creativity, talent, and hard work of students who continue to represent their schools and community with excellence.
The awards ceremony also featured a performance by recent San Gabriel High School graduate Maria Vargas, who opened the event by singing the National Anthem. A dedicated vocalist and theater performer, Vargas will attend Cal Poly Pomona this fall, where she plans to study animal science and pursue a career in veterinary science.
