Hillsborough County Public Schools -

TAMPA, FL (April 3, 2026) — Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to celebrate Blake High School senior Cora Bowen, who has been named the top winner of U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor’s 2026 Congressional Art Competition. Selected from 124 submissions by high school students across the Tampa Bay area, Bowen earned first place for her Mixed Media artwork titled “A Million Paths To Take.”

Bowen’s winning piece will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, representing Florida’s 14th Congressional District alongside student artwork from across the nation.

“The arts unite us and help us see the world through one another’s experiences,” said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. “At a time when we need more connection and inspiration, these students delivered powerful, deeply personal work that also speaks to the challenges they face. I’m so proud of the talent across Tampa Bay and can’t wait to see Cora represent our community in the national competition.”

A magnet art student at Blake High School, Bowen said her piece reflects the sense of possibility that comes with graduating high school and choosing a future.

“Senior year to me feels like an open road—a million paths to take,” Bowen said. “Rather than something overwhelming, I feel a lot of optimism. In my piece, I wanted to use untraditional mixed-media techniques, like combining collage with classic glass mosaic, to express those winding, parallel, and exponential paths, each unique in its own way.”

“We are so proud of Cora for this recognition,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “Hillsborough County Public Schools continues to support and celebrate student creativity, recognizing the important role arts education plays in student expression, engagement, and future readiness.”

Learn more about the fine arts programs at tomlinmiddleschool.org.