K-2 Winner: Anastasia
Age: 6
Grade: 1st

My art shows why it is important to remember what our country stands for. The Statue of liberty is very important because it stands for freedom, hope, and being fair. It shows that art can be very powerful, even more than words. The bison, the eagle, and rose show that USA is strong, free, and brave. Fireworks show our future and how America keeps going through good and bad times.

K-2 Runner-up: Patricia
Age: 5
Grade: Kindergarten

For my grandpa who served in the Navy. Thank you to the people who serve our country today One day I will serve my country.

K-2 Runner-up: Aria
Age: 7
Grade: 1st

I made the bald eagle because it’s like a symbol of America.

3-5 Winner: Maya
Age: 11
Grade: 5th

My artwork relates to the theme ‘America 250.’ It shows America’s current flag, with the 50 Stars and 13 Stripes. I used symbols such as the declaration of independence, an eagle, and handcuffs. These symbols represent all of America’s symbols, such as liberty and slavery. I chose these symbols to show America’s progress.

3-5 Runner-up: Avni
Age: 8
Grade: 3rd

My drawing represents 250 years of America. It includes elements of the past, present, and future. America stands for hope and freedom.

3-5 Runner-up: Abdullah
Age: 9
Grade: 4th

My artwork reflects America’s change over the span of 250 years. The doodles around the USA map show how much America has changed. America now has rockets, robots, lights, medicine that can help people, and even AI. The clock behind the US map is for representing time. The clock starts with old roman numerals to standard day numbers. Even with all these developments and innovations there is much more discovery ahead.

6-8 Winner: Penelope
Age: 12
Grade: 7th

America is a very special place to be from and or live in. This piece of artwork that I created represents how Abraham Lincoln helped shape this wonderful country, since he was from Illinois it makes it extra special to be from and live here. The patchwork done inside the USA illustrates how there are all kinds of people that live here, such as athletes, musicians, actors, artists, and more! There is the American flag inside of the eagle. The American flag and eagle concept remind me of freedom, much like the statue of liberty. The Statue of Liberty is an amazing representation of how we are all free people and no one can take that away from us Americans. The declaration of independence is in the background of everything, because it is a huge part of who everyone is today and the country. It ties in the red, white, and blue theme. There are little people dancing around with their families and friends on top of the numbers two and five, to show how we are all so excited that the United States of America is turning 250 years old! I am proud to be an American.

6-8 Runner-up: Kyli
Age: 11
Grade: 6th

My artwork represents America by showing symbols that are important to our country like the flag, the bald eagle, a historical leader, and the Washington, D.C. building. I added the 250 to celebrate America’s 250^th anniversary and to honor the country’s long history. The scroll, the historical figure, and the Washington D.C. building helps show how America was built over time and how its traditions still matter today.

6-8 Runner-up: Armani
Age: 14
Grade: 8th

This message is clear in my poster because I showed places where victory was made for America. Showing where the constitution was signed, and the battlefeild where the revolution was fought. You cant forget the general George Washington.

9-12 Winner: Tyler
Age: 16
Grade: 11th

I titled this drawing The Spirit That Moves America to symbolize a visual tribute to 250 years of American progress, perseverance, and innovation. This piece, made with marker and colored pencil, explores the idea of horsepower throughout the years not only as a mechanical force, but as the driving spirit behind the nation’s growth. The artwork brings together four defining eras of the American movement with each one marking a moment in history where determination and creativity propelled the country forward.

9-12 Runner-up: Amelia
Age: 15
Grade: 10th

Welcome to WONDERLAND. Its government has been corrupted by power and selfishness, causing the country to lose the values it was founded upon: providing everyone in the nation liberty and independence. Despite there being people who see the truth, everyone else can’t seem to see past the blinders they’ve installed on themselves. Smoke fills the sky, symbolizing the clouded visions of its population, all puppeted by the politicians who favor themselves over anyone else. Fires start up all the time; the flames eat away people’s hope until there’s nothing left. The buildings have become distorted-just like the country’s original vision-straying from the fantastical cityscapes we were once promised. The plants don’t grow here anymore either. All the careless humans seeped chemicals deep inside the Earth, poisoning it right down to the core. The only pictures here are promotional. ‘Come to this country! Spend your money! The only thing we care about is mine, mine, give-me, give-me.’ Truly, it’s everything you wanted, right?

Right?

Well… turns out WONDERLAND doesn’t exist, but I know a real country that checks off every criteria. I think you’re quite familiar with it.

It’s called the United States of America.

9-12 Runner-up: Alaina
Age: 14
Grade: 9th

As the sun sets, and a new day begins, we embrace new beginnings. Every day is a new beginning, opening up new paths and opportunities. The celebrations of America turning 250 for me is not just about a moment in history. It’s a reflection of my own journey. My story. My hopes. My dreams. Every new start is a new chance to chase my dreams and become the person I aspire to be.