
Art by Arjun K.
5th Grade, Montville, New Jersey
As part of the 2025 America’s Field Trip contest, thousands of students in grades 3–12 submitted powerful reflections on the question, “What does America mean to you?” From every corner of the country—including all 50 states, 5 U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia—students responded with original writing and artwork that express the thought, experience, and imagination that make up the American story.
The 150 students recognized through this initiative include 75 first-place awardees who will participate in immersive field trips to historical and cultural destinations across the country, and 75 second-place awardees who received a $500 prize. The entries featured here offer a snapshot of the voices and visions that emerged from this year’s contest, organized by grade level and submission type. We invite you to explore the creativity and insight of these young Americans as we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
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5th Grade, Montville, New Jersey
4th Grade, Pasadena, California
5th Grade, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
7th Grade, Rifton, New York
8th Grade, Meridian, Idaho
11th Grade, Haymarket, Virginia
11th Grade, Colorado Springs, Colorado