Janae Bellus, left, and Ron Bellus, center, dressed up as Martha and George Washington as part of a America250 proclamation by Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers during the June 24, 2025 City Council meeting.
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In honor of America’s 250th birthday in 2026, the city of Glendale Office of Arts & Culture invites local fifth-grade students to participate in an essay contest celebrating the nation’s milestone anniversary.
As the United States prepares to commemorate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Glendale is encouraging youth to reflect on what makes the country special to them. Students are asked to respond to the prompt: “Why do you love America?”
The contest is open to all Glendale fifth grade students.
“The celebration of America250 is underway across our great country and right here in Glendale,” Mayor Jerry P. Weiers stated in a press release. “I can’t wait to read these essays from our patriotic future leaders.”
Students submitting essays should follow these requirements:
Three to five paragraphs
300–500 words
Include an introduction, body, and conclusion
The contest will recognize both district-level winners and one overall city-wide winner. One winner will be selected from each of Glendale’s city council districts.
Each of the six district winners will receive a commemorative certificate signed by Mayor Weiers and a $25 gift card.
The city-wide winner will receive the commemorative certificate signed by Weiers, a $50 gift card, a family four-pack to Andretti Indoor Karting & Games and the opportunity to read their essay at the Downtown Glendale America250 Celebration this summer.
Essays will first be reviewed by City Councilmembers, who will select a winner from each district. Mayor Weiers will then review the six district-winning essays and choose the overall winner.
Teachers are asked to select their top two or three student essays and submit them by email to publicart@glendaleaz.com.
The submission deadline is Friday, April 24, and the winners will be announced the week of May 11.
“Celebrating America while simultaneously investing into our students is a win-win. The Office of Arts and Culture is proud to partner with Glendale elementary schools to highlight the outstanding achievements of our future leaders,” stated Christopher Taylor, Glendale’s Arts and Culture Administrator.
For information about the contest or Glendale’s America250 activities, contact the Glendale Office of Arts & Culture at publicart@glendaleaz.com.
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