Eight First-Place Student Awardees from Across the Country Experienced an Unforgettable Visit as Part of Nationwide Scholastic Contest
NEW YORK – This week, America250, the official nonpartisan entity charged by Congress with planning the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, hosted a unique New York City experience for student awardees of the first-ever “America’s Field Trip” to the Statue of Liberty, Federal Reserve Bank of New York and BNY. America’s Field Trip is a nationwide scholastic contest encouraging students to reflect on what America means to them, with first-place awardees taking part in special experiences at iconic American historical and cultural sites. The program is supported by America’s Field Trip Founding Sponsor BNY.
As part of the day-long field trip, first-place awardees Aryan S., Faith S., Phoenix O., Leo H., Pippy R., Braydelii H., Natalie R., Grace B. and their guardians caught a ride on the park rangers’ morning boat to explore Liberty Island and see the spectacular views of New York harbor and the Manhattan skyline from the Statue of Liberty before the crowds arrived. Later in the afternoon, the students explored a collection of rare artifacts at BNY — the oldest bank in the country, founded by Alexander Hamilton, and experienced a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
More photos from the Field Trip are available HERE and b-roll footage HERE.
Top: The students, parents and America250 Chair Rosie Rios at the Statue of Liberty Museum after climbing the statue’s steps.
Bottom: The students learning about America’s banking history and viewing rare monetary artifacts at BNY.
Photo Credit: America250
Earlier this year, thousands of students from states and territories across the country submitted inspiring entries in response to the prompt “What does America mean to you?” for the inaugural America’s Field Trip contest.
Out of those submissions, 150 first- and second-place awardees from 44 states and territories were selected by a panel of current and former educators. Below is more information on the eight students who visited New York and their submissions:
- Aryan S., 6th Grade, Lakeforest, California
- Faith S., 4th Grade, Long Beach, California
- Phoenix O., 8th Grade, Shoshone, Idaho
- Leo H., 4th Grade, Oak Park, Illinois
- Pippy R., 4th Grade, Louisville, Kentucky
- Braydelii H., 5th Grade, Metairie, Louisiana
- Natalie R., 8th Grade, Pleasant Hope, Missouri
- Grace B., 8th Grade, Laramie, Wyoming
The full list of 2024 awardees and their submissions can be found online here: america250.org/fieldtrip/awardees. The contest will continue in 2025 and 2026, with next year’s contest launching this September.
America's Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
This contest invites students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to travel for field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.