Southern Nebraska Register
Hastings Catholic Schools
Aubrey Matzen, a sophomore at St. Cecilia High School in Hastings, was honored Sept. 4 for her award-winning artwork in the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.
Matzen earned fourth place in Nebraska’s Third Congressional District for her freshman-year art piece, “Jaguar – Henry Doorly Zoo.” Matzen created the piece as part of her art class at St. Cecilia under the instruction of art teacher Mrs. Christine Brown. As one of the top five entries selected from across the district, Matzen’s artwork is currently on display in U.S. Congressman Adrian Smith’s Scottsbluff office.
Smith came to St. Cecilia School to recognize Matzen during a school assembly.
“Every year, I am amazed by the level of talent displayed across Nebraska’s Third District during the Congressional Art Competition,” he said when announcing this year’s winners. “It is an honor to showcase the top five finishers’ artwork in the halls of Congress and in my offices across our state.”
During the assembly, Smith also spoke about his work representing Nebraska’s Third District in Washington, D.C., and highlight programs and opportunities available to young people. After the assembly, he visited Mr. Rosno’s seventh-grade Social Studies class and Miss Hayhurst’s World History class.
Courtesy photos
