Essay & Art Contest
The Realizing the Dream Committee sponsors an annual essay and art contest for students in grades 6-12 around a theme that changes each year. The 2025 theme is Realizing the Dream Through Struggle and Change.
2026 Contest Details
The theme for 2026 is Realizing the Dream Through Faith and Action. Submission requirements include composing a 500-word essay or creating a work of art, both of which should reflect on the 2026 theme. Students compete at either the middle or high school level. Please see the rubrics linked at left. The submission portal will open on this page on Monday, January 5, 2026 and will remain open through Friday, February 13, 2026.
Meet the judges for the Realizing the Dream Essay & Art Contest.
Pete Beatty
English, UA
Serena Blount
English, UA
Shompaballi Datta
English, Stillman College
Jamey Grimes
Sculpture, UA
Carson Grubaugh
Fine Arts, Shelton State
Krislyn Koehn
Art, Shelton State
Kelly Shannon
Art, Stillman College
Travis Turner
English, UA
Charlotte Wegrzynowski
Art, UA