As this country approaches its 250th anniversary, a huge milestone in its history, the BPSD and the Community Foundation are sponsoring an essay contest that invites students to reflect on what makes America special.

The competition is divided into three levels: high school, middle school, and elementary school, with cash prizes up for grabs at each level.

Students may submit more than one essay; however, each entry must be about a different prompt.

The word-count guidelines for the essays are as follows:

• High School Contest: (9-12) – 200-800 words
• Middle School Contest: (5-8) – 100-400 words
• Elementary School Contest: (K-4) – 50-200 words

Students may choose from various prompts listed below:

• High School (9-12)
  • A Moment That Shaped America
    Choose one event, decision, or movement from U.S. history and explain how it helped make the nation we know today.
  • Local History, National Impact
    Explore how a local community, leader, or event contributed to the broader American story. This can be Bethel Park-specific or expanded to include Western Pennsylvanians or even Pennsylvanians as a whole.
  • A Letter to America on Its 250th Birthday
    Write a reflective or persuasive letter addressing the nation.
  • Voices Left Out of the Founding Story
    Discuss whose perspectives were missing in 1776 and how those voices have reshaped the nation over the last 250 years.
  • What Should Future Americans Remember About Us?
    Imagine how historians in 2276 might describe the United States of today and what legacy current generations are leaving behind.

• Middle School (5-8)
  • One Moment That Changed America
    Choose one important event in U.S. history and explain what happened and how it altered the country we live in today.
  • From Our Community to the Country
    Write about a person, place, or event from Bethel Park, Western Pennsylvania, or Pennsylvania that has made a difference and connects to the larger American story.
  • Dear America
    Write a letter to the United States on its 250th birthday. Celebrate what makes America special and share your hopes for its future.

• Elementary School (K-4)
  • Why I Love America
    Draw a picture and write a few sentences about what you love most about America.
  • America’s Birthday Wish
    America is turning 250 years old! What is one birthday wish you have for our country? Write a few sentences about your wish and why it is important.

This initiative was proposed by Community Foundation Vice President Andy Amrhein, who emphasized the importance of reflecting on the ideals of the Declaration of Independence.

The deadline for submissions is May 1, and only BPSD are eligible for potential prizes.

Winners will be recognized at the BPHS awards night on May 27.