Student essay contest to celebrate America's 250th anniversary

Melissa Klaric, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.
·2 min read

May 13—MERCER — The Mercer County commissioners are encouraging students in grades 3 through 12 to submit a project on "What does America mean to you?" as the U.S. approaches its semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary for signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Go to the website america250.org to submit a project. The deadline is Friday.

America's Field Trip is a new contest that invites students across the country in grades 3 through 12 to be part of America's 250th anniversary by sharing their perspectives on what America means to them — and earning the opportunity to participate in field trips to some of the nation's most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.

Students may submit artwork, videos, or essays in response to the contest's theme: "What does America mean to you?"

Twenty-five first place recipients in each age group will embark on unforgettable field trip experiences to some of the nation's most iconic historical and cultural sites. Second place recipients in each age group will receive a $500 cash award.

Mercer County, which wasn't established until 1800, is making its own plans to celebrate 250 years.

Commissioner Ann Coleman leads the committee on celebrating the semiquincentennial in the county.

Coleman said the committee has made arrangements with Dr. Hendley Hoge to have a special concert and a parade July 2026. The organizer of the Mercer Memorial 500 parade, Aaron Sines, has signed on to coordinate the Semiquincentennial parade.

"The various historical societies around the county are working on some programming individually," Coleman said. "We're coordinating our efforts but encouraging any organization to do whatever they want and let us know what's happening."

For example, some societies are talking about a ghost walk or a wine tour around the county or visiting historical sites around the county.

"We're working with the Mercer Historical Society to put together America 250 displays to highlight different things that happened in Mercer County," Coleman said.

There will also be a series of podcasts leading up to America 250 hosted by Thiel College because they would like to get a recorded history of the county, Coleman said.

"It's two years away," Coleman said. "We are putting some plans in motion so when 2026 rolls around, we're ready to go."

Follow Melissa Klaric on twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com