(May 6, 2025) FLEMINGTON, NJ – Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for New Jersey’s Seventh Congressional District. The first place was awarded to Parinita Chandrashekar from Bridgewater-Raritan High School for her drawing titled “Cutting Through Reality.” Her artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year, and she will attend a national recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C., in June.
Two runners-up were also acknowledged: Laurie Wu from Ridge High School with her piece “Birth,” and Deeksha Chaganur from Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School with “Pines and Petals.” Their artworks will be exhibited in Congressman Kean’s offices in New Jersey and Washington, D.C., on a rotating basis throughout the year. A panel of professional judges selected all winners based on artistic skill, design, visual appeal, and originality.
The announcement took place during a Congressional Art Competition Recognition Event held on May 4, 2025, in Flemington, New Jersey. All participating student artists and their families were invited to attend the event where each student was recognized for their creativity and dedication.
“Our district is home to many exceptionally talented young artists,” stated Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. “Congratulations to Parinita whose remarkable artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol.” He also expressed gratitude to all 51 participants along with their art teachers, judges, and families for their dedication which contributed to making this year’s competition successful.
Additionally, seven students received Honorable Mentions at the event: Annalena Bohach from Somerville High School; Amelia Ing from Kent Place School; Serena Lin from the Pingry School; Iris Su from Ridge High School; Jianing Xu from Ridge High School; Angela Zhou from Bridgewater-Raritan High School; Allan Zhu from Watchung Hills Regional.
Among this year’s judges was Catherine Bethon, a high school art educator specializing in Art History and Mixed Media who serves as Warren County Chair for the Art Educators of New Jersey (AENJ). She organizes an annual exhibition at Centenary University highlighting student creativity across grades K-12 within the region.
“It is an incredible honor to judge talented student artists of Congressman Tom Kean Jr.’s district,” said Catherine Bethon. “Their creativity continues to raise the bar in our field.”
