Congressman Cliff Bentz has named a standout young artist from rural Oregon as the winner of this year's Congressional Art Competition in the Second District.
On May 14, 2026, the representative for Oregon's Second District revealed that Yi-jia Lu, also known as Lyra Lu, earned the top spot in the annual competition. The junior at Burns High School stood out among a record number of entries submitted by students across the vast district that stretches across eastern and southern Oregon.
The announcement came directly from Bentz's office in Washington, D.C., where he highlighted the student's achievement in a formal statement. The win places Lu's artwork in the national showcase that rotates through the U.S. Capitol each year, giving the piece visibility among members of Congress, staff, and visitors from across the country.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-O2) announced that Yi-jia Lu (Lyra Lu), a junior attending Burns High School, has been selected as the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Oregon's Second District.
Burns High School sits in the heart of Harney County, one of the most sparsely populated areas in the lower 48 states. Students there often balance academics with responsibilities tied to ranching and agriculture. Lu's selection demonstrates how creative programs can thrive even in remote communities where resources for fine arts remain limited.
The Congressional Art Competition has operated for decades as a way for each House member to recognize one piece of original student work. Entries typically include paintings, drawings, mixed media, and digital art created during the current school year. A panel of local judges or the member of Congress reviews submissions before selecting a single winner and sometimes honorable mentions.
Oregon's Second District covers more than 70,000 square miles, making it the largest congressional district in the nation by land area. Students from towns such as Klamath Falls, Lakeview, Ontario, and Bend compete alongside those from smaller communities like Burns. The geographic spread means entries arrive from widely different environments, ranging from high desert ranch lands to college towns and mountain communities.
Bentz has represented the district since 2021. His participation in the art competition aligns with broader efforts to support education initiatives across rural Oregon. The annual event provides students an opportunity to gain recognition that extends beyond their immediate school or county.
Lu's selection out of a record number of entries signals strong interest in the arts among district high school students this year. School administrators at Burns High School have long encouraged participation in regional and national contests as a way to build portfolios and confidence. The win offers Lu the chance to see her work installed in the Capitol, an experience that can influence future academic and career paths in creative fields.
Press materials from Bentz's office noted the competitive nature of the 2026 cycle without releasing specific details about the winning piece. The artwork will join other district winners in the Capitol's hallways for the coming year, where it will be viewed by thousands of people who work in or visit the building.
Local coverage from southoregonnews.com confirmed the timing of the announcement and identified Lu as the recipient. The report emphasized the student's status as a junior, meaning she has one more year at Burns High School before graduation. That timeline allows her to carry the recognition into her senior year applications and college planning.
Arts education advocates often point to such competitions as important motivators for students who might otherwise lack outlets for creative expression. In rural districts like Oregon's Second, where access to museums and professional studios can be hours away by car, the Congressional Art Competition serves as a tangible link to national institutions.
Bentz's office has not yet announced plans for a local reception or display of the winning piece before it travels to Washington. Past winners from the district have sometimes attended events in their home communities that celebrate the achievement before the artwork ships to the Capitol.
The selection process underscores the role individual members of Congress play in spotlighting young talent. Each year the program generates hundreds of submissions nationwide, with one piece ultimately chosen per district. For Lu, the recognition arrives at a pivotal time in her high school career and places her work in a setting that few students from eastern Oregon ever reach.
Details about the medium or subject of Lu's winning entry remain limited in the initial announcement. The focus instead rests on the accomplishment itself and the broader message that student artists from every corner of the district deserve acknowledgment for their efforts.
Burns High School administrators and faculty have expressed pride in Lu's accomplishment through informal channels, though formal statements are still forthcoming. The school serves a student body drawn largely from agricultural families, and successes like this one often become points of community pride in small towns.
The 2026 cycle continues a tradition that connects classrooms across America to the legislative branch. Bentz's announcement on May 14 keeps that connection alive for Oregon's Second District and gives Yi-jia Lu a platform that extends far beyond the walls of Burns High School.
