TRENTON, NJ – RevolutionNJ, a partnership between the New Jersey Historical Commission and the nonprofit Crossroads of the American Revolution, in collaboration with America250, has announced that five students from New Jersey were selected as inaugural first-place awardees in “America’s Field Trip.”
America’s Field Trip is a national contest encouraging students to reflect on what America means to them. First-place winners receive special behind-the-scenes experiences at iconic American historical and cultural sites. Thousands of students nationwide submitted responses to the prompt “What does America mean to you?” Seventy-five were named first-place awardees, while another seventy-five received second-place awards and a $500 cash prize.
“I am incredibly proud and moved by our students’ submissions to the America’s Field Trip contest,” said New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. “Their stories of immigration and belonging, of freedom and liberty, of cultural expression and community building exemplify the very best of our state and nation and are highly deserving of this prize.”
The awardees from New Jersey include:
First Place
- Ginger C., Salem, 7th Grade
- Kadidiatou L., Newark, 12th Grade
- Lulin L., Bridgewater, 3rd Grade
- Jace T., Newark, 6th Grade
- Malay G., Edison, 7th Grade
Second Place
- Valeria R., Bridgewater, Elementary School (Grades 3–5)
- Brenden F., Cinnaminson, High School (Grades 9–12)
- Olivia P., Madison, Elementary School (Grades 3–5)
- Foysal S., Elizabeth, High School (Grades 9–12)
- Alexander L., Florham Park, Middle School (Grades 6–8)
- Everett K., Haddonfield, Elementary School (Grades 3–5)
- Kaitlyn R., Milltown, Middle School (Grades 6–8)
- Jessenia S., Newark, Middle School (Grades 6–8)
A full list of all national awardees is available at america250.org/fieldtrip/awardees.
“All of us at RevolutionNJ are so pleased with this strong showing from New Jersey’s students,” said Sara Cureton, executive director of the New Jersey Historical Commission. “As New Jersey’s 250th partnership entity, RevolutionNJ places high value on educational initiatives like America’s Field Trip because we believe that understanding the past builds better neighbors, citizens, and leaders for New Jersey’s future.”
First-place winners will participate in various field trip experiences this summer including tours at the Statue of Liberty in New York; Yellowstone National Park; Rocky Mountain National Park; National Archives; Library of Congress; Smithsonian museums in Washington D.C.; Federal Reserve Bank Museum in New York City; USS Constitution in Boston; Fort Point near Golden Gate Bridge; and American Village in Alabama.
“The America’s Field Trip program perfectly aligns with RevolutionNJ’s goals to elevate history education's value and promote heritage tourism,” said Carrie Fellows, executive director of Crossroads of the American Revolution. “In future contests rounds we hope to provide opportunities for students to explore some wonderful heritage sites here in New Jersey.”
“We’re thrilled to announce the first-ever America’s Field Trip awardees — seventy-five incredible students who will embark on transformative field trip experiences," said Rosie Rios, Chairperson of America250. "We’re grateful for all participants engaging around America's Field Trip as we advance towards July 4th celebrations."
RevolutionNJ is dedicated to commemorating the American Revolution's legacy through public discourse initiatives across education and tourism sectors. More information can be found at revnj.org.
America250 aims to engage Americans in celebrating the Declaration of Independence's anniversary through public engagement campaigns until July 4th celebrations continue until July 4th celebrate nationwide participation reflection opportunities envisioned beyond next-generation aspirations initiated Semiquincentennial endeavors across diverse communities inclusive storytelling honoring collective contributions promoting shared vision futuresupporting organization spearheaded congressionally appointed commission nonpartisan initiative efforts multi-year milestones culminating milestone achievements honoring national reflections shaping tomorrow vision###
