U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan visited The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art on Monday to announce the winners of the Congressional Art Competition, which this year saw a record-breaking 45 high school students from Sarasota and Manatee counties submit original artwork for consideration to hang in the U.S. Capitol building alongside winners from across the nation. With families and artists assembled in the campus Education Center, Sarasota High School senior Kali Karcher received first place for her photograph, Three Sisters of Fort Hancock.

“I’m honored and excited,” said Karcher, whose entry was selected by a three-person jury from The Ringling’s curatorial staff. “I’ve had a passion for photography forever and this pushes me to go further.” And that’s the goal, according to Ringling Scholastic Programs Coordinator Bonnie Thomas regarding the museum’s involvement. “Art is an essential part of life,” she said. “Exhibits and events like these are a great way for us to encourage young artists to continue developing their talents and exploring their passions.”

Reagan Turner of Lakewood Ranch High School garnered second place for her entry, The Show Must Go On, and third place went to Pine View School’s Elizabeth King for Stressed. Their work will hang in the halls of the Education Center next to the remainder of contestants’ entries. And debuting this year, a fourth award—the “Facebook Fan Favorite”—was awarded to Madison Schmitz of Sarasota High School for Amber K. Selected via social media, online voters cast their support via ‘Likes’ on Facebook, with the winner destined for display in Buchanan’s D.C. office.

“I’m impressed by the exceptional talent of every high schooler who submitted artwork for this year’s competition,” said Buchanan. “One of the biggest assets we’ve got is the arts community.”

In addition to prominent display in the Capitol, Karcher received two round-trip tickets from Southwest Airlines to attend the Congressional Reception on Jun. 23 in Washington, D.C.