As we mark this historic milestone, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) and the Illinois State Board of Education invited young artists across Illinois to reflect on what “America 250” means to them, not just through history books, but through their own lives, communities, and imaginations. Students were encouraged to explore the emotions, ideas, and stories that define America for them and to share their visions for the future through original artwork.
The contest was open to any public, private, alternative, or home-schooled student in Illinois from kindergarten through high school. One winner and two runners-up were selected in each of the following grade bands: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Winners and runners-up will have their artwork displayed by ALPLM, and the four overall winners’ artwork is featured on a statewide poster that was distributed to schools during Arts Education Week, March 9–13 2026.
The 2026 America 250 student art contest winners are:
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K-2: Anastasia Hiotis, Grade 1, LaGrange Highlands School District 106
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Grades 3-5: Maya Gawtowski, Grade 5, Norridge School District 80
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Grades 6-8: Penelope Oertel, Grade 7, Springfield Christian School
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Grades 9-12: Tyler Skelley, Grade 11, Decatur Christian School
Through their creativity, these students helped capture both the spirit of America’s past and the possibilities for its future.
Grades K-2 Winner:
Anatasia Hiotis, Grade 1
LaGrange Highlands District 106
“My art shows why it is important to remember what our country stands for. The Statue of Liberty is very important because it stands for freedom, hope, and being fair. It shows that art can be very powerful, even more than words. The bison, the eagle, and rose show that USA is strong, free, and brave. Fireworks show our future and how America keeps going through good and bad times.”
Grades 3-5 Winner:
Maya Gawtowski, Grade 5
Norridge School District 80
“My artwork relates to the theme 'America 250'. It shows America's current flag, with the 50 Stars and 13 Stripes. I used symbols such as the Declaration of Independence, an eagle, and handcuffs. These symbols represent all of America's symbols, such as liberty and slavery. I chose these symbols to show America's progress.”
Grades 6-8 Winner:
Penelope Oertel, Grade 7
Springfield Christian School
“America is a very special place to be from and or live in. This peice of artwork that I created represents how Abraham Lincoln helped shape this wonderful country, since he was from Illinois it makes it extra special to be from and live here. The patchwork done inside the USA illustrates how there are all kinds of people that live here, such as athletes, musicians, actors, artists, and more! There is the American flag inside of the eagle. The American flag and eagle concept remind me of freedom, much like the statue of liberty. The Statue of Liberty is an amazing representation of how we are all free people and no one can take that away from us Americans. The declaration of independence is in the background of everything, because it is a huge part of who everyone is today and the country. It ties in the red, white, and blue theme. There are little people dancing around with their families and friends on top of the numbers two and five, to show how we are all so excited that the United States of America is turning 250 years old! I am proud to be an American.”
Grades 9-12 Winner:
Tyler Skelley, Grade 11
Decatur Christian School
“I titled this drawing The Spirit That Moves America to symbolize a visual tribute to 250 years of American progress, perseverance, and innovation. This piece, made with marker and colored pencil, explores the idea of horsepower throughout the years not only as a mechanical force, but as the driving spirit behind the nation's growth. The artwork brings together four defining eras of the American movement with each one marking a moment in history where determination and creativity propelled the country forward.”
