Second Lady Usha Vance Announces Student Winners of Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating America’s 250th

Washington, DC-Second Lady Usha Vance, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), today announced the winners of the Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating America's 250th, a nationwide opportunity for students in grades K-8 to create original artwork reflecting what America means to them.

Selected from submissions across the United States, the winning designs-one from each grade band-demonstrated exceptional creativity, artistic skill, and thoughtful engagement with the theme of America's past, present, and future. The winners are:

• Iris Zhang, a 1st grader from Fremont, California (grade K-2 category)
• Margaret McCaul, a 3rd grader from Jacksonville, Florida (grade 3-5 category)
• Eden Pethel, an 8th grader from Pendergrass, Georgia (grade 6-8 category)

"It was so special to participate in this year's bookmark design challenge as we celebrate America's 250th anniversary," said Second Lady Usha Vance. "Art plays such an important role in our nation's history and inspires our young people's imagination, creativity, and patriotism. Each submission beautifully reflected America's history through the eyes of our youngest citizens and artists. Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who helped celebrate this special anniversary by sharing your talents with the entire country!"

"As we approach this historic milestone, the National Endowment for the Arts is proud to celebrate the voices and visions of young artists," said NEA chairman Mary Anne Carter. "These students remind us of the vital role creativity plays in helping us understand our history, our communities, and our shared future. We congratulate the winners and thank all the participants who contributed their imagination and creativity to this national celebration."

The Bookmark Design Challenge encouraged students to create hand-drawn bookmarks exploring themes such as American history and traditions, symbols of unity and democracy, community, and hopes for the nation's future.

The winning students will be recognized at a special event at the Great American State Fair, taking place June 25 through July 10, 2026.