Washington, D.C. — U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson hosted his 2025 Community Awards Ceremony this week, celebrating the winners of the Congressional Art Competition and recognizing outstanding citizens from across Louisiana’s Fourth Congressional District for their contributions to their communities.

Held annually, the ceremony highlights both artistic excellence among high school students and the selfless service of individuals who are making a tangible difference across the district’s 20 parishes.

“We just had an extraordinary event—we love to do this annually,” said Speaker Johnson. “We give out awards for people who really represent our communities well and do a lot of extraordinary work. It is an honor to give where honor is due.”

2025 Congressional Art Competition Winners

The annual nationwide competition features original works from high school students, with the winning piece displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Runner-up entries will be featured in Speaker Johnson’s district offices.

1st Place – “Craw-Fever” by Grace Rougeau, Faith Training Christian Academy

2nd Place – “Glow of the Magnolia” by Ava Agee, Airline High School

3rd Place – “Serene” by Samirah Etienna, South Beauregard High School

4th Place – “Bayou’s Serenity” by EMantyi Mosby, Airline High School

Staff Pick – “Beauty of the Swamp” by Jarei’Yuana Adams, Homer High School

Staff Pick – “In Loving Memory” by Angela Smith, Simsboro High School

2025 Congressional Commendation Recipients

Nominated by their peers and communities, the commendation recipients were honored for leadership, volunteerism, and public service.

Allen Parish:

• Patsy Cavenah – Founder and Director, Lighthouse Ministries

Beauregard Parish:

• Kenneth Harlow – DeRidder Fire Chief, 30 years of service

Bossier Parish:

• Natalie Davis – Haughton High School student, led initiative to sanction girls’ wrestling in Louisiana
• Brad Zagone – Bossier City Fire Chief, 30 years of service
• James “Trey” Morriss – Director of Staff, Eighth Air Force & Joint-Global Strike Operations Center
• Warren Ward – Executive Director, Louisiana Tech Research Institute
• Lane Calloway – Historian, Barksdale Air Force Base

Caddo Parish:

• Laurie Boswell – CEO, Holy Angels
• Jacob Schneider – Caddo Magnet High student and Eagle Scout, led agricultural training in Kenya

Bienville Parish:

• Deanna Curtis – Advocate and volunteer with multiple youth justice and domestic abuse organizations

Claiborne Parish:

• Pat Abshire – Chamber President

Grant Parish:

• Bonita Armour – Founder of after-school program for local youth

Jackson Parish:

• Wilda Smith – Longtime civic volunteer and board member across multiple local organizations

Lincoln Parish:

• Sam Mattox – Louisiana’s oldest-living WWII veteran, turning 106 in 2025

Ouachita Parish:

• Roy Heatherly – Chamber of Commerce President

Sabine Parish:

• Crystal Hable – Community organizer
• Blake Byles – Organizer of outdoor events for disabled children and veterans

Union Parish:

• Axton Nolan – Appointee, U.S. Air Force Academy

Vernon Parish:

• Melinda Granger – Teacher of 36 years at Rosepine High School

Webster Parish:

• Jerry Madden – Veteran, Minden Lion, and past Minden Man of the Year

Speaker Johnson concluded the event by emphasizing the importance of recognizing everyday citizens who elevate their communities. “These individuals embody the spirit of service and excellence we strive to encourage in Louisiana’s 4th District,” he said.

For more information about the Congressional Art Competition or to nominate someone for a future commendation, visit mikejohnson.house.gov.