Help us celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence by making history come alive, sparking a civics renaissance, and celebrating democracy! Through the work of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), the Commonwealth is commemorating the anniversary with educational activities, community and statewide events to celebrate that “Virginia’s History is America’s Story.”
The Virginia Department of Education has partnered with VA250 to engage students across the Commonwealth through the study of civics, history, and democracy to promote the principles of engaged and informed citizenship.
Included in this effort is our Expressions of Freedom contest – an opportunity for students in grades 3-12 to share their ideas and perspectives through artwork, videos, audio recordings, or essays in response to the question: “What does Freedom mean to you?”
The contest is open to students in grades 3 – 12. Winners will have the opportunity to have their work placed in a time capsule in the restored pedestal of the statue of George Washington located in historic Trafalgar Square, London, England. The statue serves as a reminder of the enduring friendship and shared ideals, principles, and sacrifices between America and England.
Expressions of Freedom Contest Rules and Guidelines:
All entries must be submitted electronically using this link.
All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025.
All entries must be original pieces of work – the use of Artificial Intelligence is prohibited – and adhere to the following guidelines:
Students may submit:
- An essay up to
250 words – Grades 3 – 5
500 words – Grades 6 – 8
1,000 words – Grades 9 - 12
2. Video or Audio up to two minutes; or
3. Physical artwork must be submitted digitally through high-resolution photo.
Selected participants may be asked to provide the physical submission for display and featured in a commemorative booklet during the July 4th celebration along with other VA250 commemorative events and celebrations.
Parental permission is required for all entries.
Expressions of Freedom Contest Criteria:
CLARITY OF IDEA:
How well does the Entrant use both their personal and academic experiences to clearly address the question?
Does the Entry effectively convey ideas, emotion, or a story visually or with words by acknowledging the past or celebrating America’s achievements and possibilities for the future?
Does the response offer fresh insight and innovative thinking?
STUDENT VOICE:
Is there passion in the Entry or a point-of-view that showcases a unique perspective on the diverse range of different experiences that make America unique in an original/authentic way?
PRESENTATION:
What makes the submission content more compelling, fresh, or interesting than other Entrants’ content in their grade level category?
Please encourage all students to participate in this opportunity! We look forward to seeing the wonderful submissions that show what freedom means to each student across the Commonwealth. Reach out to Christonya Brown, History and Social Science Coordinator, vdoe.hss@doe.virginia.gov with any questions you may have.
With gratitude,
Aimee R. Guidera
Additional Background on George Washington Statue:
The Commonwealth of Virginia gave the Washington Statue to Great Britain and Ireland in 1914 to recognize that “unbroken peace and goodwill has existed between the United States and Great Britain for more than a century, and the people of Virginia entertain the warmest friendship for the people of their mother country.” The Washington Statue in Trafalgar Square is a bronze replica of the famous marble statue by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon of George Washington (1788) which has stood in the Capitol rotunda in Richmond, Virginia from 1796 to today.
For more than 100 years the current pedestal has become difficult to maintain leading to this restoration project presenting the opportunity to restore the pedestal with items representing Virginia’s citizens and we want to feature our incredible students. Please review the contest rules and guidelines below and we are excited to partner with VA250, VDOE, and Friends of the Washington Statue to include the work of the selected student winners in this exciting opportunity.
For more information, please visit Friends of the Washington Statue.
VA250 Expressions of Freedom Student Contest (Grades 3-12)
Help us celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence by making history come alive, sparking a civics renaissance, and celebrating democracy! Through the work of the Virginia American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250), the Commonwealth is commemorating the anniversary with educational activities, community and statewide events to celebrate that “Virginia’s History is America’s Story.”
The Virginia Department of Education has partnered with VA250 to engage students across the Commonwealth through the study of civics, history, and democracy to promote the principles of engaged and informed citizenship.
Included in this effort is our Expressions of Freedom contest – an opportunity for students in grades 3-12 to share their ideas and perspectives through artwork, videos, audio recordings, or essays in response to the question: “What does Freedom mean to you?”
The contest is open to students in grades 3 – 12. Winners will have the opportunity to have their work placed in a time capsule in the restored pedestal of the statue of George Washington located in historic Trafalgar Square, London, England. The statue serves as a reminder of the enduring friendship and shared ideals, principles, and sacrifices between America and England.
Expressions of Freedom Contest Rules and Guidelines:
All entries must be submitted electronically using this link.
All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025.
All entries must be original pieces of work – the use of Artificial Intelligence is prohibited – and adhere to the following guidelines:
Students may submit:
- An essay up to
250 words – Grades 3 – 5
500 words – Grades 6 – 8
1,000 words – Grades 9 - 12
2. Video or Audio up to two minutes; or
3. Physical artwork must be submitted digitally through high-resolution photo.
Selected participants may be asked to provide the physical submission for display and featured in a commemorative booklet during the July 4th celebration along with other VA250 commemorative events and celebrations.
Parental permission is required for all entries.
Expressions of Freedom Contest Criteria:
CLARITY OF IDEA:
How well does the Entrant use both their personal and academic experiences to clearly address the question?
Does the Entry effectively convey ideas, emotion, or a story visually or with words by acknowledging the past or celebrating America’s achievements and possibilities for the future?
Does the response offer fresh insight and innovative thinking?
STUDENT VOICE:
Is there passion in the Entry or a point-of-view that showcases a unique perspective on the diverse range of different experiences that make America unique in an original/authentic way?
PRESENTATION:
What makes the submission content more compelling, fresh, or interesting than other Entrants’ content in their grade level category?
Please encourage all students to participate in this opportunity! We look forward to seeing the wonderful submissions that show what freedom means to each student across the Commonwealth. Reach out to Christonya Brown, History and Social Science Coordinator, vdoe.hss@doe.virginia.gov with any questions you may have.
With gratitude,
Aimee R. Guidera
Additional Background on George Washington Statue:
The Commonwealth of Virginia gave the Washington Statue to Great Britain and Ireland in 1914 to recognize that “unbroken peace and goodwill has existed between the United States and Great Britain for more than a century, and the people of Virginia entertain the warmest friendship for the people of their mother country.” The Washington Statue in Trafalgar Square is a bronze replica of the famous marble statue by French sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon of George Washington (1788) which has stood in the Capitol rotunda in Richmond, Virginia from 1796 to today.
For more than 100 years the current pedestal has become difficult to maintain leading to this restoration project presenting the opportunity to restore the pedestal with items representing Virginia’s citizens and we want to feature our incredible students. Please review the contest rules and guidelines below and we are excited to partner with VA250, VDOE, and Friends of the Washington Statue to include the work of the selected student winners in this exciting opportunity.
For more information, please visit Friends of the Washington Statue.