U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) announced the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition for Alabama’s Sixth District.

Ever Waites of Westminster School at Oak Mountain earned the top honor.

The Congressional Art Competition, sponsored by the Congressional Institute, is a nationwide high school visual art competition established to encourage and recognize artistic talent. Waites titled his entry “My Ebenezer,” and it can be viewed virtually on Palmer’s website through May 31.

“We had a very talented group of students from across the district participate in this year’s Congressional Art Competition. I’m impressed by each student’s hard work and dedication to their craft,” Palmer said. “Congratulations to Ever on winning the competition this year. I hope he continues to use his talent to create more art in the future.”

Palmer presented Waites with an award certificate earlier this month after a panel of artists from Alabama’s Sixth District selected “My Ebenezer” as the winning entry.

According to Palmer’s office, a virtual gallery featuring all entries from Alabama’s Sixth District is also available on the congressman’s Facebook page, with “My Ebenezer” featured at the top of the online collection. The winning artwork will also be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside other congressional district winners from across the country.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].