Contests & Educational Events
Competitions and creative outlets that inspire learning and patriotism.
This year's theme focuses on "We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident" as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the ideals that shaped our nation.
Art Contest
The Freedom Festival Art Contest invites K–12 students nationwide to express patriotism through painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and more.
Essay Contest
The Freedom Festival Essay Contest invites K–12 students nationwide to express patriotism, with this year’s theme on the First Amendment.
Hope of America School Spirit Contest
Win up to $500.00 and an opportunity to participate in America’s Freedom Festival’s 4th of July parade and a pizza party for your school participants in Hope of America!
Constitution Month Teacher Contest
Teachers and schools are invited to celebrate the U.S. Constitution through classroom and school activities highlighting its importance.
Educating the Spirit of Liberty Contest
The Freedom Festival Educating the Spirit of Liberty honors teachers who inspire patriotism in K–12 students nationwide.
Speech Contest
The Speech Contest invites grades 9–12 to speak on the First Amendment. Deadline: April 1.
Video Contest
The Video Contest is for K-12th grades throughout the nation and is centered around the theme of the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights!
Contest Resources
This year’s theme is “We Hold These Truths to be Self Evident” Students may choose to illustrate the purposes and applications of the Declaration of Independence and the ideals that shaped our nation as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of this document this year. This may include its history, adoption, and recognition of significant individuals involved. Or they may focus on any concept contained in the Declaration of Independence.
Theme Expansion Ideas:
- Endowed with Liberty: 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
- Endowed by Their Creator: 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
- We Hold These Truths: Celebrating 250 Years of Civic Courage
- Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
- A Foundation Built on Principles: Celebrating 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
- Consent of the Governed: Celebrating 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
- “We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor”: 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
- When in the course of human events: 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
- Instituting New Government With Its Foundation Built on Principles: Celebrating 250 Years of the Declaration of Independence
- Voices of Independence: Then, Now, Future
All submissions must support the primary values of: God, Family, Freedom, and Country
Website Resources:
- Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and the Constitution
- America 250 Utah (K-12 lesson plans)
- National Constitution Center
- Bill of Rights Institute
- Center for Civic Education
- Center for Constitutional Studies, Utah Valley University: constitution@uvu.edu