Lake County Students Celebrate America’s 250th with Art and Essay Contest

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Lake County has announced the winners of the America 250 K-12 Art and Essay contest, “We the People: America Through My Eyes.”

The winners were recognized at today's Lake County Board Meeting and chosen from more than 60 submissions, according to a news release from Lake County. The winning entries are now on display at the Lake County Administrative Complex in Waukegan through July 14.

“Congratulations to our winners and thank you to every student who took the time to participate,” Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart said. “The submissions captured the spirit of America’s 250th anniversary and are great examples of the creativity and talent of Lake County's young people.”

Art First Place Winners

• Grades K-2: Joyce E.
• Grades 3-5: Miranda H.
• Grades 6-8: Barnali T.
• Grades 9-12: Ashley J.

Essay First Place Winners

• Grades K-2: Mei M.
• Grades 3-5: Sai Tanshika M.
• Grades 6-8: Loukya G.
• Grades 9-12: William H.

The complete list of winners can be found on Lake County's America 250 webpage, along with links to their winning art and essay submissions.

The contest encouraged kindergarten through twelfth-grade students in Lake County to explore what America means to them by sharing how their life, family, landscapes, traditions, community or culture reflect the spirit of America. Students submitted drawings, paintings, collages, digital art, photography and short essays to express how their unique perspective contributes to the larger story of our nation, according to a news release.

“Students shared perspectives shaped by their families, communities and experiences, creating entries that were creative, personal and meaningful,” said Jennifer Clark, Lake County District 15 Board Member. “America 250 is both a celebration of our nation's history and an opportunity to reflect on the future, and our students give us plenty of reasons to be optimistic.”

Residents can stay informed about Lake County’s America 250 events and activities by visiting lakecountyil.gov/America250.