Secretary Byrd Announces Florida’s America’s Field trip Awardees

Contest sponsored by America250

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. –

Florida’s Semiquincentennial Advisory Commission, together with America250, the official national organization charged by Congress with commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, announced the 2025 “America’s Field Trip” awardees. America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to reflect on the question: “What does America mean to you?”​ The 150 America’s Field Trip awardees hail from 41 states and 4 U.S. territories and were selected by a panel of current and former educators. Seven students from Florida were selected as winners. 

Thousands of students from all 50 states, 5 U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia submitted writing and artwork to the 2024-2025 America's Field Trip contest. The seventy-five first-place awardees will embark on immersive, unforgettable field trips to iconic American historical and cultural sites this summer, with seventy-five second-place awardees each receiving a $500 cash award.​ This marks the second group of America’s Field Trip awardees recognized by America250 and follows the successful pilot program launched in 2024.

“As chair of Florida’s America250 Commission, I am delighted to see our state so well represented in the America’s Field Trip contest,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “The entries submitted by our winners show the variety of ideas about what America means to its youngest citizens, our nation’s future.”

First Place

• Abigail, 3rd Grade, Ponte Vedra
• Angel, 4th Grade, St. Augustine
• Singita, 8th Grade, Palm Beach Gardens

Second Place

• Savannah, 4th Grade, Land O’ Lakes
• Emma, 5th Grade, St. Johns
• Madison, 7th Grade, Lutz
• Jessenia, 11th Grade, Homestead

For a full list of awardees and a selection of winning submissions, please visit america250.org/fieldtrip/awardees.

For more information about America250FL, visit our website at https://america250fl.com.

“America’s Field Trip is a transformative opportunity for students across the country to engage with our nation’s history in meaningful, lasting ways," said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “Our tentpole programs are intentionally designed to be hands-on, educational and engaging. America’s Field Trip truly brings the story of America to life and allows a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these students to experience American history and national treasures up-close.”

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Florida’s Semiquincentennial Advisory Commission

The Florida Semiquincentennial Advisory Commission aims to ignite patriotism and deepen understanding of the Declaration of Independence’s foundational principles: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.  Through celebrations, America250FL will inspire civic engagement and foster a profound appreciation for America’s historic journey as the most powerful and influential nation on earth.  The Commission will honor our military and veterans, recognizing their sacrifices in safeguarding our freedoms.  This landmark commemoration will not only boost tourism but also leave a legacy for generations of Floridians.  For more information, visit https://america250fl.com/.

America250
America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.

America’s Field Trip Contest
America’s Field Trip Contest is a creative opportunity for students in grades 3-12 to reflect on what America means to them through original artwork or written responses. The contest encourages students from across the U.S. and its territories to share their vision of America’s values, history, and future. Open until April 16th, 2025, this free contest invites students to participate and contribute to the national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.