Maricopa County launches America250 Essay Contest
Maricopa County is hosting a star-spangled celebration of America250 with a brass band, the county said.
The county is inviting students to submit essays reflecting on American history, civic responsibility, and the future of the nation. Winners will be recognized at a future Maricopa County Board of Supervisors meeting. The deadline to submit an essay is 5 p.m. Friday, March 27.
Contest by grade
Grade 3-5 — Elementary
Maricopa County students in 3rd-5th grade or the homeschool equivalent.
Writing Prompt: Please submit a paragraph of five to eight sentences responding to the question: “What makes you proud to be an American and why?”
Grade 6-8 — Junior High
Maricopa County students in 6th-8th grade or the homeschool equivalent.
Writing Prompt: Please submit three paragraphs of five to eight sentences responding to the question: “What is your favorite symbol of America and why?”
Grade 9-12 — High School
Maricopa County students in 9th-12th grade or the homeschool equivalent.
Writing Prompt: Please submit five paragraphs of five to eight sentences responding to the question: “What is the American Dream and what does it mean to you?”
Learn more at Maricopa.gov/America250.
| Mar 19, 2026 at 8:00 PM | Gov |
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| Apr 10, 2026 at 3:33 PM | Gov |
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| Apr 9, 2026 at 7:05 PM | Gov |
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| Apr 8, 2026 at 12:01 PM | Gov |