PORTLAND, Ore. — Two Oregon students have been recognized among the nation’s top young voices in the 2026 America’s Field Trip contest, a nationwide competition encouraging students to reflect on the question, “What does America mean to you?”
The America 250 Oregon Commission and America250, the congressionally authorized organization leading the nation’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, announced this year’s awardees on Monday.
Among the honorees are first-place winner Amy Elliot, a 12th-grade student at Evergreen Virtual Academy in Portland, and second-place winner Macy Kragt, a 10th-grade student attending Baker Charter Schools in Hillsboro.
America’s Field Trip is one of America250’s signature educational programs and has grown significantly since launching as a pilot initiative in 2024. The contest invites students in grades 3 through 12 to submit original essays or artwork exploring their perspectives on America’s values, history and future.
More than 10,000 students participated in this year’s contest alone, contributing to more than 20,000 entries received over the program’s three-year history. To date, the initiative has recognized 550 students nationwide, including 275 first-place winners and 275 second-place recipients.
“The America 250 Oregon Commission congratulates Amy E., Macy K., and all of this year’s America’s Field Trip participants,” said Kerry Tymchuk, chair of the America 250 Oregon Commission. “Their words inspire us and reflect the next generation’s hope for America’s future.”
The 2026 competition drew submissions from students in all 50 states, five U.S. territories and Washington, D.C. A panel of current and former educators selected 250 awardees, making this the largest class of winners in the contest’s history.
As a first-place recipient, Elliot will participate in one of 16 specially curated educational trips taking place across 12 states and Washington, D.C., between July 10 and Aug. 16. She selected Philadelphia for her experience, where she will receive behind-the-scenes access to historic sites including Independence National Historical Park and the Philadelphia Mint.
“America’s Field Trip gives students a national platform to reflect on our country in their own words, through their own creativity and from the communities they call home,” said Rosie Rios, chair of America250. “As we prepare to commemorate our nation’s 250th anniversary, these students remind us that America’s story is something each generation helps shape.”
In addition to the 125 first-place winners receiving educational travel experiences, 125 second-place awardees will receive a $500 cash prize and commemorative America250 merchandise.
The America 250 Oregon Commission is responsible for coordinating Oregon’s official observance of the nation’s 250th anniversary and aims to ensure the commemoration reflects the diverse histories and cultures that have shaped the state, including those of Indigenous peoples.
The United States will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026. America250 and its state partners continue to organize educational programs, public events and community engagement opportunities leading up to the historic milestone.
A complete list of 2026 America’s Field Trip awardees and selected winning submissions is available through America250.
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