One way that America 250 NC invited young North Carolinians to participate in the 250th commemoration was through the County Flag Challenge. We invited fourth-grade students from across North Carolina to design county flags that reflect how they see their region of the state, and to write an essay explaining their designs.
The goal was to inspire students to think critically about local history, culture, and geography through symbolism while establishing relationships between local families, school systems, and county committees.
The flag designs and essays created not only showcase student creativity but also provided a lasting legacy of their county during this moment in time. Participation allowed students the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful and public-facing community project.
This project was truly a team effort. America 250 NC provided counties across the state with the project guide, teacher guide, student worksheets, and permission slips. They then took it from there! Individual counties notified educators and students about the challenge, collected local submissions, and voted for a first place and runner up.
When the entries started coming in, we were truly blown away by the thoughtful reflection on students’ communities and their research into local history. We are impressed by each submission, and we know that our future is bright with young leaders like these leading the way.
Many of the participating counties worked hard to highlight and uplift their local students on the local level, with additional events, celebrations, and prizes. We appreciate everyone who contributed to making these students feel appreciated for their dedication to their community.
Alamance
Alamance hosted a celebration for all participants and their families at the Alamance Community College, sponsored by the Scott Family Collection. Set up like an art gallery, attendees could view all the large-scale printed flags before the award ceremony, allowing students to proudly show off their designs to their loved ones.
The top winner received a gift certificate, with all other honorable mentions getting a $2 bill. Prizes were provided by the Scott Family Collection.
The America 250 NC was invited to attend this event. Dan Brosz and Chelsea Kiefer were thrilled to see the results of the challenge in person, as well as the students’ pride.
Submitted by Grace VandeVisser
Chowan
Chowan county knew that voting for a first place flag and essay would be challenging, so they immediately decided they needed a panel to help with the task.
They selected a panel of seven judges: The hardware store owner, the director of Historic Edenton, a local restaurant owner, a local art teacher, a staff member from the Edenton Historic Commission, and two local residents.
Throughout the month of July, all entries in Chowan County were on display in a local downtown business. This allowed students, their families, and community members to come and visit the art work and see all of the various symbolism representing their county.
Submitted by Timmy Turner
Cleveland
In Cleveland County, the local America 250 NC County Committee held a meeting to vote for the first, second, and third place submissions.
The county then held two special events for the winners of the County Flag Challenge. The first was held at the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners meeting. Here, students were recognized individually by the board and received gift card prizes for placing first, second, or third place in the county.
The second event was held at the Cleveland County Board of Education meeting. Here, the winners were able to shake hands with each board member and take photos to remember this important achievement.
Submitted by Emily Sisk
Gaston
Gaston County Museum of Art and History judged the submissions in their county, fitting experts for a challenge on an artistic design and an essay explaining symbolism in local history.
The county winner and runner up were honored at the Gaston County Board of Commissioners meeting in the spring. They each received a printed version of their flags, a gift bag of materials, Gaston 250 Swag, local gift certificates, and an America 250 NC children’s book, which the County Committee purchased. Quite the reward for the thoughtful work put into their designs and essays.
Submitted by Adam Gaub
McDowell
McDowell’s America 250 NC County Committee not only voted for an overall first and second place submission, but also a winner from each participating school, ensuring every institution who participated was recognized in some way.
The overall winners, as well as the winners from each school, were recognized by the McDowell County Board of Commissioners, each receiving a certificate and small prize. This was an impactful meeting for the young learners. In addition, all submitted flags were put on display at the City Hall in downtown Marion, allowing the community to see the designs inspired by their county.
Submitted by: Madalyn Robinson
Perquimans
After their County Committee judged the entries, they began planning the reception for the students, held at the Newbold-White House.
After the awards reception, student designs were transformed into a traveling exhibit, allowing more of the county to come and examine the work. From the Perquimans County Library to Living History Day, this mobile display of the county flags showcased how meaningful the artwork was to county leadership.
Submitted by: Brenda Hollowell-White
Rutherford
A group of ten from the local America 250 NC County Committee gathered to vote for the best submissions. With so much wonderful work, it took four rounds of rigorous examination to narrow it down to their top five choices.
Each participation in the county received a prize pack including stickers and a flag commemorating the 250th. The top three winners also received a medal for their placements.
Submitted by: Taylor Hardin
Stanly
Stanly county called in the experts on art and writing to determine the winners for their area. Two returned art teachers, as well as the English Department Chair at Pfeiffer University reviewed the fourth-grade submissions.
After the educators voted for the winners, the students were honored at the Celebration of the Arts at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center. Here, the top ten finalists were on display to be viewed, and the winner and runner up flags were printed on large-scale yard signs. At the award ceremony, the two top submissions were given gift certificates to a local sweets shop.
The Stanly County History Center in downtown Albemarle will continue the display of the ten finalists and the winning yard signs throughout 2026.
The Stanly County Commissioners also invited the winner and runner up to a board meeting to recognize them and their hard work.
Submitted by Renee VanHorn
Union
The Waxhaw America 250 NC County Committee scored the flags and essays using a rubric that weighted representation of county identity, use of symbolism, creativity & originality, design quality & visual clarity, written explanation and connection to America 250 NC themes. These scores allowed the committee to pick six semi-finalists. Those top six submissions were then posted on social media, and from there, the wider community was able to vote for their favorites.
Winners were recognized at the Board of Commissioners meeting, where they received prizes to show appreciation for their participation. In addition, photos were posted on the Town of Waxhaw’s social media page, boarding the audience of the final projects.
Submitted by: Janet Peirano
View all of the first place and runner-up submissions.
If you would like to submit your own "Reflecting on 250" blog, please email Chelsea.Kiefer@dncr.nc.gov.