The Oregon State Capitol hosted an event to recognize the winners of the 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book student essay and cover photo contests. Secretary of State Tobias Read, along with Oregon legislators, acknowledged the contributions of the young Oregonians to the state's official publication. Secretary Read said, "I’m so proud of the talented photographers and students essay winners featured in this year’s Oregon Blue Book, and it was an honor to lead celebrations for them at our State Capitol," according to the Oregon Secretary of State.
During the visit, the Capitol chambers were filled with greetings and recognition for the winners. Secretary Read expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you to my colleagues at the Oregon Legislature and the staff for greeting us and making our time at the Oregon Capitol an experience these Oregonians will never forget." Contest winner Luna Chatila spoke about her connection to Oregon's landscapes in the House Chamber, while the other winners were honored in the Senate, as reported by the Oregon Secretary of State.
The event featured a Q&A session with Secretary Read, where winners discussed his role, followed by a book signing at the Oregon Blue Book – Capitol Gift Shop. The 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book covers will feature artwork by Matt Straite from Keizer and Nathan Rohde from Shady Cove. The student essay contest recognized Alex Biegel, Luna Chatila, Trinity Jameson, Claire Lee, Guled Olol, Nayarrah Paz Sosa, and Azara Willits for their essays on life and creativity in Oregon, as stated by the Oregon Secretary of State.
