Ocean City High Student Wins Congressional Art Contest

A Sophomore at Ocean City High School won first place in New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District in the 2025 Congressional Art Competition.

Remember the name, Gillian Acocella. This kid has real talent.

Gillian's submission for the competition is a charcoal portrait of Marilyn Monroe.

Gillian says she's always doodled since childhood, and those doodles would often turn into family works of art.

Drawing To Be Displayed in U.S. Capitol

Now, at age 16, Gillian's drawing of Marilyn Monroe will hang in the Cannon tunnel of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Acocella will also join other winners for a lunch reception and award ceremony at the Capitol.

“I am extremely grateful and proud of myself,” said Acocella about winning the competition.

“I chose to draw Marilyn Monroe because of her significance to women around the world and the iconic public figure she is.”

 

High School Art Competition is a 43-Year Tradition

The Congressional Art Competition is a nationwide event that encourages the artistic talents of high school students. Since it began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated in the competition.

Students from every Congressional District submit a non-copyrighted drawing to their representative’s office.

Gillian learned about the competition from her freshman year OCHS art teacher and decided to participate.

“We are so proud of Gillian receiving this well-deserved honor,” said Ocean City School District Superintendent Dr. Christian Angelillo. “Her pieces are truly impressive, and her dedication to art is inspiring.

Art Runs in the Family

Acocella wants to continue studying art after high school and plans to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design.

“Both my mom and my sister are artists,” said Acocella. “I was always surrounded by art growing up, and I wanted to make art like them."

Gillian says she likes drawing with charcoal because it makes drawings look smooth and soft. She also works with colored pencils and plans on creating pieces with paint.

Acocella is also a musician and a member of the OCHS wind ensemble.