WASHINGTON, D.C. Emma Hughes is a star among student artists at John Days Grant Union Junior-Senior High School.

Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) announced Hughes, who graduated from eighth grade this month, as the winner for Oregons Second Congressional District in the 2013 Congressional Art Competition.

Her entry titled Starry Eyed is an altered self-portrait photograph. It will be on display at the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Two other Grant Union students earned honorable mention: 10th-grader Hannah Pereira for her self-portrait pencil drawing and Lindsey Weymouth, who graduated this month, for her altered self-portrait photograph.

Pereiras drawing also earned Best of Show for 10th grade in March at Eastern Oregon Universitys Eastern Oregon Regional High School Art Exhibition.

The two Grant Union runners-up will have their work displayed at Waldens office in La Grande.

A third honorable mention went to Sadie Herron of Redmond for her artwork titled The Great War Youth Gaze. It will be displayed at Waldens office in Bend.

Hughes said she enjoys photo editing with an online tool called GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), changing the color and texture of her photos.

With Starry Eyed she said she added sparkle as well.

I didnt think Id win, she said. I feel like Ive accomplished something really big.

In a press release Walden congratulated Hughes on her accomplishment.

The artwork she submitted is a testament to her talent, he said. Her work will be displayed among the best artistic talent from students throughout the nation. I would also like to commend Hannah, Lindsey and Sadie for their outstanding work and talent.