Teen from Charles County Triumphs in 2025 Art Competition

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On May 1, 2025, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) declared that Cynclair Wilson, a third-year student from Maurice J. McDonough High School located in Charles County, emerged victorious in the 2025 Fifth District Congressional Art Contest thanks to her gouache piece titled "Ancestral Wisdom." This creation features a young girl being led by ancestral figures' hands and will hang in the U.S. Capitol building for twelve months as an illustration of Wilson’s artistic prowess and contemplation about African American culture.

Congratulations to Cynclair Wilson for clinching the 2025 Fifth District Congressional Art Competition," stated Hoyer. "Her creation is incredibly touching and genuine, and I find myself motivated by her talent to craft an artwork that combines remarkable technique with profound emotion. I'm excited about having the chance to see her stimulating piece at the Capitol complex later this year.

In "Ancestral Wisdom," Wilson employs gouache to depict a young girl being touched on each shoulder by ancestral hands, signifying the transmission of power and knowledge from generations past. Behind her, scenes of historic hardships faced by her predecessors highlight their enduring fortitude. "I feel incredibly privileged and modest receiving this accolade for 'Ancestral Wisdom' at the Congressional Art Competition," Wilson stated. "'Ancestral Wisdom' holds deep significance for me; it mirrors my essence as an African American female artist. It pays homage to those whose courage laid our path forward and echoes visually the trials they overcame so we might thrive now. Sharing this narrative has been meaningful to me, and accepting this honor carries both gratitude toward history and optimism about what lies ahead. Thanks for acknowledging us and valuing the heritage encapsulated within these works."

The contest, available to high school students from Maryland’s Fifth District, exhibited remarkable abilities throughout Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s counties. "I'm equally delighted to acknowledge our additional prize-winning participants," Hoyer stated. "Every art piece reflected considerable expertise, and I found the inventions truly impressive. This only emphasizes the extraordinary talents of youths within Maryland’s Fifth District."

Natalie Grosek from Calvert High School secured second place with her piece titled "The Journey: Power and Hardships." Third place was claimed by Kendall Nosich, who homeschools in Charles County, for their acrylic artwork named "Work In Progress." Fourth position went to Ryan Hatch from Leonardtown High School in St. Mary’s County, whose mixed-media creation called "Internal Hardware," incorporating acrylic, charcoal, and clear vinyl, received recognition. Lauren Little from South River High School garnered an honorable mention for her work "Grammy’s Front Yard," alongside Aspen Ellerbe from Leonardtown High School, recognized for "Florilegium: To Gather a Bouquet of Sweet Literary Blossoms."

Hoyer commended the art jury for their meticulous assessment of the entries, acknowledging the challenge of choosing winners from among so many gifted participants. Since being founded in 1982, the Congressional Art Competition has motivated young artists across the country to express themselves visually. The artwork selected by Wilson will be displayed alongside pieces from other districts in the Capitol, showcasing Charles County's artistic vibrancy to both guests and politicians.

Participants from the Fifth District showcased varied methods and subjects, mirroring the area's abundant cultural tapestry. Wilson’s win underscores the potency of artistic expression in sharing individual and historic stories, thus motivating her local populace and those further afield.