America 250 Competition: Honoring Our History, Celebrating Our People, Imagining Our Future
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, Nebo School District is calling on students to showcase their creativity, skills, and unique talents! Join us in honoring our nation and community through this district-wide event. This competition is designed to highlight student achievement while helping students make connections. Students will create an original project that responds to the theme and may enter in the following categories:
Visual Arts | Painting, sculpture, photography, digital art |
Essay | 2-3 page essay (double-spaced, 12 pt font) |
Speech | 4-5 minute speech |
Sewing/Textiles | Quilt, garment, embroidery, or other project |
Welding/Industrial Arts | Metal sculpture or functional artwork (must be safe and displayable) |
Woodworking | Furniture, sculpture, carving (must be safe and displayable) |
Video | 3-5 minute video (documentary, narrative, animation, or other format) |
Student Choice | A project in a category not listed; must be approved (not performing arts) |
Entry Deadline: Monday, October 19th by 11:59pm | Entry Form Link: bit.ly/neboamerica250 |
Who Can Enter
All Nebo School District students (Grades 6–12)
Two winners per category (Grades 6–8 and Grades 9–12)
What to Submit
Show off your unique skills while connecting to your local community.
Attach high-quality photos or documentation of your completed project to your entry form.
Submit three short responses with your entry form (50–100 words each):
What inspired you?
How does your project connect to our community?
What does your project say about America's past, present, or future?
Showcase Information
Finalists will be announced in late October and invited to participate in the district showcase.
Nov 2: Springville & Mapleton schools
Nov 5: Spanish Fork, Salem & Payson schools
Finalists will be given information on project transportation.
Elementary art and elementary/secondary performing arts groups will also be featured in the showcase. Contact Zac Trotter at zac.trotter@nebo.edu with questions about performing arts.
Competition Scoring Guide
We are not looking for the best writer, speaker, or craftsman. We are looking for students who can use what they are good at to tell an American story. Students do not need to address all parts of the theme equally.
1. Honoring Our History: How effectively does the project connect to America's past?
Demonstrates understanding of history
Shows thoughtful research, reflection, or interpretation
2. Celebrating Our People: How does the project recognize people and communities?
Highlights people, cultures, traditions, or contributions
Demonstrates respect and thoughtfulness
Makes a meaningful local/community connection
3. Imagining Our Future: What does this project say about the America we can create?
Demonstrates creativity and original thinking
Connects the student's talent to the future
4. Craftsmanship & Communication
Quality and completeness of the work
Appropriate skill and craftsmanship
Creativity and originality
Primarily student-created
Effective presentation
Clarity of the student's explanation
What counts as a community connection?
Your connection could be a person, place, family story, tradition, local event, business, industry, organization, historical event, community challenge, or your vision for the future of your community. Your project might tell a story about where you live, someone who has influenced your community, a tradition that has been passed down, or something you hope to contribute to your community in the future.
Winners will be announced after the conclusion of both events and prizes will be given to school administrators to distribute.
Fine Print: Entries must fully comply with Nebo School District policy. Judges reserve the right to withhold awards if submissions do not meet quality or volume standards. You will be responsible for the transportation of larger or delicate pieces.