Second-grader Layla Church from Keystone Heights Elementary was one of seven students recognized during the December 11 Clay County school board meeting for her artwork during the district’s Founders’ Week Art Contest. Church’s winning entry featured the U.S. Capitol building in Washington.
The annual art competition asked students to explore historic locations that shaped America’s founding.
Mary Owen, social studies curriculum specialist, explained the idea behind the district’s annual Founders Week celebration in September.
“Founders Week in Clay County District Schools combines celebrations of both Constitution Day and Freedom Week, which recognizes the Declaration of Independence,” Owen said. “Throughout this week, teachers and students engage in age-appropriate lessons focused on analyzing primary source documents that form the bedrock of American government, such as the Constitution and the Declaration.”
This year’s theme: Patriotic Places
Owen said this year’s theme challenged students to explore and reflect on historic locations that forged the country’s founding.
“Through district-created lessons, students explored key locations in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Boston, and New York City,” she said. “Some of these locations included Independence Hall, Fort Ticonderoga, and the Old State House, places where the flame of Liberty was first ignited.”
She added that students were encouraged to express their understanding through art.
“The Founders Week Art Contest challenged them to think creatively about how these historic sites continue to inspire a deep love for our country and the liberties that we cherish,” Owen said.
The curriculum specialist said the seven winners demonstrated remarkable skills and provided fresh perspectives on the historical locations.
“Their artwork reminds us that these locations stand as monuments to our enduring freedom,” she said.
The winning artwork was displayed on screen during the presentation and will remain in the case along the back wall in the school board meeting room through January.
K-2 winners chose favorite locations
Younger students were asked to identify their favorite patriotic location in America.
Kindergartner Savannah Whitaker from Spring Park Elementary chose the Washington Monument as her favorite. She was unable to attend the board meeting because she was participating in Spring Park’s winter recital.
First-grader Lilliana Powe from Wilkinson Elementary selected the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, as her favorite patriotic location.
Older students explained importance
Third through fifth grade students were asked to reflect on what the most patriotic location in America is and explain why.
Third-grader Zuri Watson-Cameron from Patterson Elementary pinpointed Philadelphia as the most important patriotic location.
“The most important patriotic location in America is Philadelphia because it was the birthplace of America. That is also where the Liberty Bell is a very important artifact,” Zuri said, according to Owen.
The contest resulted in a tie for fourth grade.
Annabelle McGregor from Shadow Lawn Elementary chose Washington, DC, saying it’s where “laws and rules are made there to protect the people of America.” Owen said McGregor was feeling under the weather and watched the meeting from home.
Hunter Haas from Patterson Elementary also selected Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“Philadelphia is where the founding fathers wrote the Constitution,” Hunter said in his entry.
Fifth-grader Nataly Munoz from S. Bryan Jennings Elementary chose Boston for its role in the American Revolution.
“The most important patriotic location in America is Boston because it’s famous for its role in the American Revolution and on the Freedom Trail. You can see places like the Old State House,” Natalie said.
Owen congratulated all the winners and asked them to stay for a group photo with Superintendent David Broskie.
Jenn Samsel provided reporting for this story.
