ABOUT THE CONTEST
Your Story Matters
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the I am America Writing and Art Contest invites students to explore the people and values that shape our nation and showcase the best of who we are as Americans.
Inspired by the values of Courage, Sacrifice, Commitment, Integrity, Citizenship, and Patriotism exemplified by Medal of Honor Recipients, students will help tell the story of America.
Students will have the opportunity to earn cash prizes, and the top 250 entries will be published in a giant, commemorative “I am America” anthology celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
This opportunity has been created by a partnership between the National Medal of Honor Museum, iWRITE Literacy Organization, and The Bryan Museum in collaboration with the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator team, Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, creators of the “Ordinary People Change the World” Children’s Book Series.
WHY ENTER
Become a published author or artist!
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by becoming one of 250 students whose work will be published in the official I am America anthology.
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Publishing Opportunities
250 selected entries appear in the official I am america anthology
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Cash Prizes
Top entries in each category earn cash awards through the American Storyteller Award.
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One of 250 Voices
rare national honor tied to America’s 250th anniversary. selected from students across the country.
American Storyteller Award
The opportunity to receive recognition for the best writing and art that showcases at least one of the six Medal of Honor values: courage, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, citizenship, and patriotism.
Texas Star Award
An additional honor given to the best writing and art that embraces both the Medal of Honor values and shows a Texas connection.
Prize amounts vary by grade level and category — see full award details →
OUR PARTNERS
Built On A Powerful Collaboration
Four organizations united by a shared belief in the power of young american voices.
The National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation is a 501(c)(3) educational organization that preserves the legacy and values of the Medal of Honor through the National Medal of Honor Museum and Griffin Institute in Arlington, Texas, and the National Medal of Honor Monument in Washington, D.C.—inspiring people to discover what’s possible in service to others.
The mission of the Bryan Museum is to bring the history of Texas and the American West to life through art, education, and preservation. The Museum’s world-class collection, engaging exhibitions, and outstanding educational history and literacy programs offer visitors the opportunity to explore the multicultural stories of the past while inspiring them to shape the stories of the future.
Benefit 1
The iWRITE Nonprofit Organization builds writing confidence for students in grades 3-12 through fun writing and publishing programs designed by real authors. Our mission at iWRITE is to build student confidence through writing.
This isn’t just a book series. It’s our dream for our daughters. Our dream for our sons. Our dream for all of us who need to see the power of an ordinary person… And the power — and potential — in each of us. Together, we’re building an army of smart children, arming them with lessons of compassion, kindness and justice. Come join us for the ride.
“Integrity is not only doing what’s right, but doing what’s right when it’s hard.”
Jim McCloughan · Medal of Honor Recipient, U.S. Army, Vietnam War