February 2, 2026

FDOE Press Office 850-245-0413 [email protected]

Celebrate America's 250^th Anniversary by Entering the America250FL Essay and Art Contests

Tallahassee, Fla., February 2, 2026 - To honor the 250^th anniversary of our nation's founding, the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida invite all Florida students in grades K-12 to participate in the America250FL art and essay contests. The essay and art contests provide an opportunity for students to pause and reflect on our nation's past and honor Florida's contributions to America. Students should submit an original artwork or essay with the theme, "Celebrating Florida's Contributions to America" by Monday, March 16.

"As America approaches its 250^th anniversary, the America250FL contest offers students a meaningful opportunity to explore how Florida has helped shape and strengthen our nation," said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. "As a national leader in education, I am proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to reading and seeing the outstanding work students will submit."

"The Spirit of '76 is alive and well in Florida," said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. "As Chair of the America250FL Commission, I encourage all students to reflect on Florida's history and heritage by participating in the art and essay contests."

"America's 250^th anniversary is a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation to reflect on our shared history and imagine how they can help shape our future," said Josie Tamayo, CEO of Volunteer Florida. "Through the America250FL essay and art contests, students are encouraged to celebrate Florida's contributions to our nation and continue that story through service and civic engagement."

About the Student Art Contest

The America250FL art contest is open to all Kindergarten through grade five students in Florida. Each student should submit an original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year's theme. Six winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

About the Student Essay Contest

The America250FL essay contest is open to all students in grades 6-12. Eight winners will be selected: three middle school students (grades 6-8) with each winner receiving a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and five high school students (grades 9-12) with each winner receiving a 4-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

Art and essay contestants must be Florida residents and be able to provide a Social Security number. Each student may enter only one submission.

Contest Entries and Nominating Forms and Guidelines

Student contest forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at America250FloridaContest.com.

Volunteer Florida

America 250FL Committee

1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

All entries must be received by 5 p.m. (ET) on Monday, March 16, 2026.