West Babylon Student Wins National Art Contest

WEST BABYLON, NY — A West Babylon Junior High School student has been named a first-place recipient in the America’s 250 Field Trip Student Contest.

Zarah Valentina Gomez earned the honor for her original artwork, titled “Footprints of Freedom,” the West Babylon School District said.

Students from across the country were invited to reflect on the theme, “What does America mean to you?” through original artwork or writing.

Gomez’s piece features a soaring eagle looking down over a map of the United States, symbolizing freedom, pride and the lasting impact of the nation’s story, district officials said.

Thousands of students in grades three through 12 participated in the America’s Field Trip contest. As one of 125 first-place awardees, Gomez will participate in a field trip experience this summer to one of America’s iconic historic, cultural or natural landmarks.

The 2026 class of America’s Field Trip awardees includes students from across the country, with submissions reflecting themes of community, perseverance, freedom, opportunity and service.