"Military service is a big part of our family's life," Abigail said. "I appreciate this recognition for my family and my artwork."
Congratulations to Abigail Presley, the first-place winner of Mississippi‘s First Congressional District Art Competition. Abigail, an 11-grade student at Corinth High School, earned this honor for her watercolor painting titled “Legacy,” which was inspired by her family’s strong tradition of military service.
“Military service is a big part of our family’s life,” Abigail said. “I appreciate this recognition for my family and my artwork.”
Her father, Edward Presley, a former West Point cadet, is featured in the painting and now works in Iuka with Northrop Grumman helping build B21 Raiders. Her brother, also depicted in the artwork, is an ROTC cadet at the University of Memphis who has completed Sabalauski Air Assault School (TSAAS) at Fort Campbell and will attend U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning this summer.
Abigail’s artwork will be displayed for one year in the Cannon Tunnel leading to the U.S. Capitol. She will also receive two airline tickets to attend the national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., this summer. We congratulate Abigail on this outstanding achievement and commend her remarkable talent. We also extend our gratitude to her father and brother for their service to our nation.
2026 Congressional Art Competition
Trent Kelly’s office received an outstanding group of submissions for this year’s Congressional Art Competition. We are proud of every First District student who participated and showcased their talent.
Each spring, a nationwide high school art competition is sponsored by members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Congressional Institute. The contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the nation, as well as in Mississippi’s First Congressional District.
2026 Winners:
1st Place: Abigail Presley, Corinth High School – Watercolor painting titled “Legacy“
2nd Place: Isabella Hancock, Hernando, MS – Acrylic painting titled “King of the Jungle“
3rd Place: Carley Foster, Booneville High School – Acrylic painting titled “Luke 16:10“
4th Place: Hannah Horton, New Albany High School – Acrylic painting titled “Dance with Me“
5th Place: Aylin Hernandez, Corinth High School – Pencil piece titled “Sophia’s First“
5th Place: Isaac Snodgrass, Alcorn Central High School – Pencil piece titled “Bestfriend“
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