AMERICA250 UTAH ESSAY & ART CONTEST
Celebrating 250 Years of Independence
Website Link for More information and Utah State Competition missions
Utah is proud to join the national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary! We invite students across the state to share their perspective on what America means to them today by exploring the foundational principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
This essay and visual arts contest is designed so students can use a single mission to enter both the Utah America250 contest and the National America250 contest.
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- Eligibility: Any Utah student in grades 5, 8 and 9 - 12 are eligible to enter. All missions must be original work. Your essay or visual artwork should answer the national contest’s question, “What does America mean to you?” by incorporating the core principles of the Declaration of Independence and/or the U.S. Constitution.
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- Deadline: Monday, March 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. MST
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- Submission Requirements: Students at each grade level may submit only one mission either one written essay or one original visual artwork.
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- Judging Criteria: Missions will be evaluated based on Student Voice (60%) and Clarity of Ideas (40%).
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- Awards:
- Three students, one from each level, will each receive a $1,000 scholarship.
- A total of 100 students will each receive a $250 scholarship.
- Award recipients will be notified in June 2026.
- Awards:
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Students under the age of 18 are required to have parent or legal guardian permission.
For more information about the Utah America250 Essay & Art Contest, including official contest rules, judging criteria, missions, and Spanish-language resources, please visit Link for Utah State missions can be found here.
Upcoming Utah 2026 Legislative Session!
January 20, 2026 First day of the annual General Session.
March 6, 2026 Last day of the annual General Session (45 total days, excluding state and federal holidays)
May 6, 2026 Normal effective date for bills
Committees Relating to Education:
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- Education Interim Committee
- Higher Education Appropriations committee
- House Education Committee
- Public Education Appropriations committee
- Senate Education Committee
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Stay tuned in for updates!
Family and Parent Newsletters
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Parent Portal Introduction Flyer September 2025
Current 2025 SHARP Survey Information
SHARP.utah.gov (Student Health and Risk Prevention Survey)
A voluntary survey helping communities and schools and what kids experience with stance use, relationships with friends, mental health and other things. This survey informs policy and programs.
Utah Legislative Session 2025
2025 Public Education Summary
Legislative summary for public education 2025
Attendance Questions
53G-6-201 (13) Definitions for Compulsory Education Defines what a "valid excuse" is for attendance. Updated July 2025. Additional information that coordinates with this. 53G-6-205. Approval absences.
Homeschooling Updates
HB 209 Changes the requirements for homeschooling requirements. Affidavits are no longer required. See HB 209.
Articles of Interest
2025 Trends in K-12 Education By Hanover Research "Hanover Research’s 2025 Trends in K-12 Education report highlights six emerging trends that our experts believe education leaders are grappling with in 2025."
"Utah leaders affirm commitment to school choice following court ruling." April 30, 2025 Article by State of Utah explaining school choice and more.
"How is Utah legislature supporting teachers in 2025?" May 6, 2025 Article by State of Utah explaining how the state is supporting teachers in various ways.
Education issues in the 2025 legislative session This is an overview of the 2025 legislative session through the lens of education.
Highlight on School Safety This is an official statement from the State of Utah addressing School Safety in the 2025 legislative session.
Utah State Board of Education Press Releases
Press Releases Provides the latest news about Utah schools as well as links to social media outlets used by the Utah State Board of Education.
Updated Strategic Plan September 2025
Utah State Board of Education Strategic Plan
1. Elevate Student Learning
2. Promote educator quality and effectiveness
3. Optimize oversight and accountability
Blue Ribbon Schools
Rvsd. 1/14/26