LaLota Honors Half Hollow Hills Student for Tribute to Holocaust Hero
Suffolk County, NY — Congressman Nick LaLota (Suffolk County) proudly announced Kerry Yeung, a student at Half Hollow Hills High School East, as the 2025 winner of the Congressional Art Competition for New York’s First Congressional District. This year’s theme, “Service Above Self,” called on students to honor those who dedicate their lives in service to others. Kerry’s work is inspired by the true story of Sir Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 innocent children during WWII.
“Kerry’s artwork is more than a display of exceptional talent—it’s a powerful tribute to Sir Nicholas Winton’s bravery and humanity,” said Rep. LaLota. “By honoring a man who saved hundreds of Jewish children from the horrors of the Holocaust, Kerry’s piece reminds us that the fight against antisemitism requires both courage and compassion. Her work captures the spirit of ‘Service Above Self’ and reflects the enduring values of justice, empathy, and moral leadership that our district proudly upholds.”
2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner, entitled “669,” by Kerry Yeung, Half Hollow Hills High School East
Background:
Kerry Yeung’s winning piece, entitled “669,” is inspired by the true story of Sir Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 innocent children during WWII. She used colored pencils to sketch his face and body and then overlaid this with acrylic paints. Additionally, she printed articles about his story and glued them onto the canvas to highlight his significance as an unsung hero.
As the First District’s winner, Kerry’s artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, alongside winners from across the country. The winning artwork is featured on House.gov's Congressional Art Competition webpage, https://www.house.gov/educators-and-students/congressional-art-competition. Kerry was also recently honored in a national reception in Washington, D.C.
The Congressional Art Competition is an annual nationwide initiative that gives high school students the opportunity to showcase their creativity and express their perspectives through visual art. Since 1982, the competition has celebrated the artistic achievements of young artists across the country. Each spring, Members of the U.S. House of Representatives host district-wide contests to recognize and encourage local talent. The winning artwork from each district is displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, where it is viewed by thousands of visitors, lawmakers, and staff. The 2025 competition continues this tradition of highlighting student talent and fostering creativity in the next generation of American artists.
###