AMERICA 250
VERMONT STUDENT ART & POETRY CONTEST
Celebrating the Semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence
September 17, 2026
1:00 - 2:30
Town Hall Theater
Middlebury, Vermont
Sponsored by:
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking American’s Semiquincentennial. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honorthe contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.
We invite students across the State of Vermont to be a part of our nation’s 250th anniversary by sharing artwork and poetry to describe what Liberty means to them. Today’s young people are the leaders, innovators, and thinkers who will shape the next 250 years, and it is important their voices are heard as we commemorate this historic milestone.
WHAT DOES FREEDOM MEAN TO ME?
Judging will be evaluated based on creativity, originality, thoughtfulness, depth of reflection, connection to the prompt, clarity of expression, and craftsmanship. Selected works will be displayed at the Semiquincentennial Celebration on Constitution Day, September 17, 2026 at theTown Hall Theater in Middlebury, Vermont. Selected works may also be featured on a website or social media platform and included in a commemorative publication or digital gallery.
ARTWORK GUIDELINES
Max size: 4”x 6”
Hand-drawn, sketched, or painted
Not fragile and easy to transport
Must be original student work
No AI-generated images
One entry per student
POETRY GUIDELINES
Max length: 150 words
Poems may be written in free verse,
rhymed, narrative, or Haiku
Must be original student work
No AI-generated images
One entry per student
Each entry must include student’s full name, school grade, phone number, email address and title of the artwork or poem. Each student maysubmit one piece of artwork and one poem. All student work must be original, and any artwork done by another person will be disqualified.
Artwork and poetry should reflect personal perspectives and experiences and must remain nonpartisan and politically neutral. Entries that do not meet these guidelines may not be eligible for consideration. Entries must be respectful and appropriate for display in public schools and government facilities and reflect individual perspectives in a respectful manner. Entries must not advocate for changes to laws or public policy,promote political candidates or parties, or include partisan messaging.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE - MAY 15, 2026
Students are encouraged to focus on shared values, history, community, service, opportunity, freedom, unity, and hopes for the future. We encourage you to share your honest voice, your hopes, your questions, and your dreams for the next 250 years. Your perspective matters!Submissions will be reviewed in grade-level categories. Submission constitutes permission for selected works to be displayed at public commemorative events or featured in digital and/or printed exhibitions.
ARTWORK SUBMISSIONS
Please mail or deliver to:
United States District Court
151 West Street, Rutland, VT 05701
POETRY SUBMISSIONS
E-mail poetry & ask questions:
america250poetry@gmail.com