Sophomore artist Ireland Cates is taking Bloomingdale talent all the way to Washington, D.C., after winning the 16th Congressional District Art Competition. Her artwork will be displayed in the United States Capitol for the next year as part of the nationwide Congressional Art Competition, a program that recognizes high school artists from across the country.

Cates’ win continues a growing tradition for Bloomingdale High School artists. This marks the second consecutive year that Bloomingdale students have entered and won the prestigious competition, further cementing the school’s reputation for artistic excellence.

As part of the honor, Cates will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., where winning students from across the nation are recognized for their work. According to the Congressional Institute, the winning artwork from each district is displayed in the U.S. Capitol for approximately one year, where it is viewed by lawmakers, staff members and millions of visitors.

The Congressional Art Competition, sponsored annually by members of the U.S. House of Representatives, was created to encourage and recognize artistic talent among high school students nationwide. Since its launch in 1982, hundreds of thousands of students have participated in the program.