- Record: Extensions of Remarks
- Section type: Recognition
- Chamber: House
- Date: April 23, 2026
- Congress: 119th Congress
- Why this source matters: Extensions of Remarks are statements submitted for the official record, even if they were not spoken live on the floor.
HON. PABLO JOSE HERNANDEZ
of puerto rico
in the house of representatives
Mr. HERNANDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the dedicated judges and leaders who supported the 2026 Congressional Art Competition in Puerto Rico, an annual national artistic competition and experience designed to inspire high school students to explore art, innovation, and history.
with a unique opportunity to develop original pieces that address real- world challenges through drawing, painting, and, most importantly, creativity.
judges, professionals, and leaders in art and entrepreneurship who generously volunteered their time and expertise. They carefully reviewed student submissions, evaluating technical execution and originality, while also offering thoughtful feedback grounded in experience and academic rigor, ensuring a fair, thorough, and meaningful evaluation for every participant.
mentorship and youth development. By exposing students to professional pathways, they reinforced the message that Puerto Rico's young people can compete, create, and excel at the highest levels. On behalf of the people of Puerto Rico, I extend my sincere gratitude to the judges and leaders who offered their perspectives and expertise to our district's 2026 Congressional Art Competition, and I include in the Record their names:
Dr. Irene Esteves, Deputy director of Collections and
Exhibitions—Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR).
Mr. Walter Otero, Founder of Walter Otero Contemporary Art
(WOCA), Gallerist, Curator, and Cultural Manager.
Dr. Melissa Ramos Borges, History of Art Professor—
University of Puerto Rico.
Ms. Mariel Quinones, Curator of the Pio Lopez Martinez
Museum—University of Puerto Rico at Cayey.
Ms. Ariana Garcia, Illustrator and Augmented Reality
Creator, Artist-in-Residence—Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
(MAPR).
Mr. Fernando J. Montilla, Chief Innovation and Technology
Officer, Atlantic University.
innovators to—creativity, collaboration, and commitment to artistic expression.