Top 10 finalist Ziqian (Jacky) Xing (second from right) is joined by Principal Diana Diaz-Ferguson, fellow AHS artists Jeffrey Hu and Mandy Phu, National Anthem singer Mia Reyes Salguero, and teacher Jeff Levie. Alhambra High School certainly was well represented at the 32nd Congressional Art Competition.
Article by Natalie Tee Gaither
Two Alhambra High School students were in the spotlight at the 16th Congressional Art Competition, hosted by Congressmember Judy Chu. The annual event celebrates the artistic achievements of high school students from across the 28th Congressional District.
Each spring, Congress sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district. A panel of artists and experts select the winning entries. Each of the Top 10 finalists will have their work displayed in Congressmember Chu’s Pasadena or Claremont office, and the winning piece will be displayed in the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Alhambra High School’s Mia Reyes Salguero opened the Congressional Art Competition with a powerful performance of the National Anthem. It was hard to believe that was the first time she ever performed it in public.
Ziqian (Jacky) Xing, Alhambra High School senior and photography student of Jeff Levie, earned a place among the Top 10 finalists. He was recognized with an honorable mention for his moving photograph depicting Altadena’s destruction and recovery in the aftermath of the recent wildfires. Jacky’s goal was to convey the vulnerability of humanity in the wake of natural disasters, reminding us of the need for unity and collective strength in the face of tragedy.
“The judges thought his photograph was beautifully composed, technically precise, and an emotionally rich image that showed his mastery of light and storytelling while keeping the image grounded in reality,” explained Congressmember Chu as she introduced Jacky’s art to the audience. “They were particularly captivated by the depiction of people working together, united in the effort to rebuild—an inspiring testament to resilience and community.”
Fresh off her starring turn as Mrs. Lovett in AHS’ production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, fellow AHS senior Mia Reyes Salguero opened the ceremony with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, setting a celebratory tone for the evening.
Mark Keppel High School and San Gabriel High School were also represented, with students from both schools contributing artwork that was displayed throughout the beautiful venue. The afternoon also brought some unexpected personal connections. Attendees ran into a former Park Elementary student (and one of Mia’s childhood best friends) Seoyoon Kim, who was one of the other Top 10 finalists. Brightwood Elementary teacher Michael Hillman and his wife were in the audience, proudly watching their daughter Abigail Hillman as she was also recognized as a Top 10 finalist.
Congressmember Chu commended the young artists for using their voices through art. “Your incredible and inspiring works of art make me proud to say that we truly made an Artistic Discovery in the 28th Congressional District,” she wrote in the event program. “Today is dedicated to you and your talents.”
This year’s contest featured over 220 submissions judged on originality, technical skill, and emotional resonance. For Jacky, Mia, and all of the participating students, the event was a celebration of creativity, recognition, and the powerful connections forged through the arts.
