With the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence approaching this July 4th, America250, the non-profit arm of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, is seeking to engage all 350 million Americans in the celebration.
As a part of this effort, America’s youth in grades 3-12 are being invited to participate in a contest titled “America’s Field Trip”. Students are asked to submit writing or original artwork in response to the contest’s prompt: “What does America mean to you?”
A total of 250 students will be awarded a special behind-the-scenes field trip experience this summer or a cash prize, based on their entries. Each of the 125 first-place awardees and their chaperone will receive airfare and lodging for a three-day, two-night trip to visit one of a number of historical or cultural sites across the country. Second-place awardees will receive $500 in cash, and three teachers associated with the top-scoring entry in each grade category will receive a $1,000 cash award.
Judges will consider entries based on the student’s “voice” or perspective, the clarity of the idea presented, and overall presentation.
Full details, including rules, entry information, the list of field trip sites, an FAQ, and much more can be found on the Amercia 250 website.
America250 hopes America’s youth will join them in celebrating America’s 250th birthday by entering, displaying their love of country and answering “What does America mean to you?”
