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On July 4, 2026, the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Iowa Department of Education, in partnership with the Iowa America 250 Commission, invited students from across Iowa to learn about and reflect on what America and the American founding meant to them.
The Governor honored the top three entries from each grade band at an awards ceremony in May 2026, and the top student entries in each category will be displayed at the 2026 Iowa State Fair.
Back to topTop Entries
Grades 3-5
Annora Roberts (232.81 KB) .pdf , Meskwaki Settlement School, 4th grade, essay/poem
Mary Elouise Bowman (219.21 KB) .pdf , Waukee Community School District, 4th grade, essay/poem
Manvi Tiwar (323.21 KB) .pdf i, Waukee Community School District, 3rd grade, video
Henry Hammes (222.66 KB) .pdf , Van Meter Community School District, 3rd grade, essay/poem
Grades 6-8
Madhav Ganesh Kumar (218.15 KB) .pdf , Johnston Community School District, 8th grade, essay/poem
Jason Dong (223.89 KB) .pdf , Iowa City Community School District, 8th grade, essay/poem
Piper Stauffer (218.61 KB) .pdf , Homeschool student in the North Butler School District, 8th grade, essay/poem
Grades 9-12
Abu Saddiq (279.93 KB) .pdf , Fort Madison Community School District, 12th grade, video
Liza Mendelev (219.7 KB) .pdf , Ames Community School District, 11th grade, essay/poem
Georgia Clark (227.58 KB) .pdf , West Liberty Community School District, 9th grade, essay/poem
Back to topContest Details
Who
Any Iowa student from a public or accredited non-public school in grades 3-12 can enter. There are three grade band categories:
- Grades 3-5
- Grades 6-8
- Grades 9-12
Prompt Options
Select one of the following prompts:
- Creativity and Innovation: Creativity and innovation are deeply ingrained in America’s and Iowa’s character, from the innovation of our agricultural producers, manufacturers and start-up businesses, to the ingenuity of Iowa teachers, craftspeople, and everyday Iowans. How do you see this unique spirit of creativity and innovation reflected in your own school, neighborhood, or community?
- People: Many Iowans have contributed to making Iowa and America what it is today. From Indigenous Iowans and early settlers who cultivated the land and agriculture, to groundbreaking artists, scientists, and athletes, Iowa continues to play a leading role in feeding and powering the world and shaping our nation’s past and future. Are there Iowans and Americans who have particularly inspired you?
- Places and Events: America’s story is one of many places and events that reflect the rich tapestry of our nation's history and culture. Are there pivotal places, events or moments that connect Iowa to the nation’s broader story?
- America’s Founding Principles: America’s founding principles of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness provide an enduring foundation for our country and state. From patriotic traditions and the diverse stories of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and generations, how do you see America’s founding principles alive today?
Categories
Choose from one of the following categories:
- Essay/Poem: Essays/poems can be submitted in Word, PDF, or Google docs formats. All essay submissions should include the student name(s), prompt, and be no longer than 500 words. If sources are used within the essay, they should be properly cited in APA format at the end of the essay. Uploads can be no larger than 10 MB.
- Video: Videos should be no longer than 2 minutes. All videos should be submitted through an unlisted YouTube link.
Submission
Use the Iowa America 250 Student Contest form to submit a contest entry.
Submission Deadline
Friday, March 6, 2026 by 4:00 p.m. Award recipients will be notified in May 2026.
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