(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- The MonmouthNJ 250 Committee is accepting entries for two contests for Monmouth County students as part of the county's commemoration of America's upcoming 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. A Semiquincentennial Poetry Contest for grades three through five invites students to write a poem in response to the prompt "What is America to me?" The Semiquincentennial Essay Contest for grades six through eight invites students to write an essay answering the prompt "What does patriotism mean to me?" This is the third round of student contests – the first round was held in spring of 2025; the second round in fall of 2025.
“The creativity and enthusiasm shown in the first two rounds of our Semiquincentennial student contests were truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what students bring to the 2026 competitions,” said Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, Co-Chair of the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee. “It’s incredibly rewarding to watch young people across Monmouth County share their talents and perspectives on what America means to them as we approach this historic 250th anniversary.”
“Clerk Hanlon and I are excited to launch the next round of the Semiquincentennial Contest for Monmouth County students,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone, Co-Chair of the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee. “The creativity and thoughtfulness demonstrated by our youth continues to be impressive, and we look forward to reviewing their submissions as we commemorate this important milestone in our nation’s history.”
Contests are open to students who reside in and/or attend school in Monmouth County, NJ. Prizes will be awarded for each grade level. The winners will be showcased on the MonmouthNJ250.org website and social media channels and will be highlighted throughout the Semiquincentennial celebration.
Submissions may be sent via email to [email protected]. Submission instructions, contest eligibility and official rules may be viewed or download at https://monmouthnj250.org.
For questions about the contests, please email [email protected].
The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners established the MonmouthNJ 250 Committee in 2023 to begin preparations for the momentous occasion. County Clerk Christine Hanlon and Commissioner Director Tom Arnone serve as co-chairs of the Committee.
