What America Means to You: A Voices of the Future Exhibit
Presented by the Lower Paxton Community Foundation and Macaroni KID Harrisburg & the West Shore Area
In 2026, America turns 250—and here in Central PA, we’re kicking off the celebration by turning the spotlight on the voices that matter most: our kids.
Macaroni KID and the Lower Paxton Community Foundation invite local K–12 students to share their thoughts, dreams, and reflections on America in a community-wide art and writing exhibit:
“What America Means to You: A Voices of the Future Exhibit for America250.”
This is an invitation to be part of something meaningful. A way for young people to reflect on their place in our country’s story—and to help shape what comes next.
✨ You're Invited to Participate
All qualified submissions will be proudly displayed in a special public gallery at the Independence Weekend Family Celebration at Dauphin County Heroes Grove on Saturday, July 5, 2025.
Each participant will:
- Receive an award certificate, perfect for school or homeschool portfolios
- Be invited to a special field trip celebration at the U.S. Army Heritage & Education Center in the fall (details coming soon!)
🖍️ Entry Guidelines by Age Group
Prompt: “What does America mean to you?”
- Grades K–2: Artwork only (optional caption, parent-scribed)
- Grades 3–5: Artwork or up to 100 written words
- Grades 6–8: Artwork or up to 250 written words
- Grades 9–12: Artwork or up to 500 written words
We welcome personal reflections, patriotic imagery, historic tributes, dreams for the future—and yes, glitter is absolutely allowed.
🗓️ Key Dates
- Submissions accepted through: June 23, 2025
- Gallery Showcase: July 5, 2025 @ Koons Park during the Independence Weekend Family Celebration at Dauphin County Heroes Grove
- Field Trip Celebration: Fall 2025 (Date TBA)
✍️ How to Submit
The Lower Paxton Community Foundation will provide a simple online form where families can submit either:
- Written responses typed directly into the form
- OR a clear photo or scan of original artwork
📥 Deadline: June 23, 2025
Teachers and Librarians:
Group submissions are welcome! Please use the form to submit each student’s work individually. If you're submitting on behalf of a class or library group and need assistance with bulk uploads or documentation for portfolios, reach out—we're happy to help.
Let’s celebrate America’s birthday by lifting up the voices of the future—and giving our kids a platform to reflect, inspire, and shine.
