Press Releases

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) announced that Rishi Nair of Blacksburg High School won the 2024 Congressional Art Competition in Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District. His artwork is entitled Mabry Mill and will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

Isabella Lawson of Richlands High School earned first runner up with The Barter Theatre. Second runner up featured a tie between Katelyn Wheatley of Carroll County High School with Creek Crossing and Emily Paul of Blacksburg High School with Cascading Down. Their work will be displayed in Griffith’s Abingdon and Christiansburg offices.

“Congratulations to Rishi Nair on winning first place,” said Griffith. “His work is a marvelous display of this year’s theme, ‘Landmarks of Virginia’s Ninth District,’ and has earned a spot in the U.S. Capitol for all to see. I would also like to congratulate Isabella Lawson, Emily Paul and Katelyn Wheatley for their excellent submissions and securing a placed finish.”

“Throughout the Ninth District, we have so many creative and skilled students. I enjoy seeing their work showcased each year during the Congressional Art Competition, and I would like to thank all who participate.”

Pictured from left to right: Katelyn Wheatley, Isabella Lawson, Congressman Morgan Griffith, Rishi Nair, Kindle Conkin (Corporate Communications Manager for Eastman Credit Union)

Not pictured: Emily Paul

First Place: Rishi Nair, Blacksburg High School

First Runner Up: Isabella Lawson, Richlands High School

Second Runner Up: Katelyn Wheatley, Carroll County High School

Mabry Mill

The Barter Theatre

Creek Crossing

Cascading Down

If trouble accessing photos, please contact Jackson Krug.

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