Mendon High School’s YouYou Wu Wins First Place in Congressional Art Competition

Congratulations to Mendon High School student Youyou Wu for winning the Congressional Art Competition (Rochester district) with her painting, “Paddling Near Home: My Rochester.” She was recognized at a June 11, 2025, celebration hosted by the Congressional Institute in Washington, D.C. The competition is a nationally recognized program sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives.

Wu created this piece to express what she loves most about Rochester — the peaceful connection between city life and nature. She painted herself kayaking on the Genesee River in fall, with warm seasonal colors, the skyline ahead, and lilacs in the boat to symbolize her love for the city. The kayak represents her personal and always-moving experience of Rochester, while the lilacs, bridge, and skyline together reflect its beauty and identity.

“We’re especially grateful to Pittsford Schools and her teachers for always encouraging her creativity and growth — this accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without their support,” said her mother Junyi Liu.

Congressman Joe Morelle shared the news on his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1YbbrsyxXR/), and her painting will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, in the Cannon Tunnel, where visitors from across the country will see it every day.