The Dare A250 Committee, partnered with the Dare Education Foundation, is excited to announce the winners of the Dare A250 Essay Award and Dare A250 Art Exhibition Award. Students in Dare County were invited to explore and share their insights on America’s 250th anniversary and the county’s unique role in our nation’s history.

Students whose essays and artwork demonstrated exceptional quality were recognized during the event at the Dare A250 Faire, held in Manteo, NC on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The submissions—spanning visual art and written expression—demonstrate the vibrant creativity, cultural heritage, and academic excellence that thrive within our community.

Dare A250 Art Exhibition Award

With artistic vision, Emma Zoe Cahill, a fourth-grade student at Nags Head Elementary School, created a piece that combines a classic still-life artwork featuring an arrangement of fruit, with the quintessential statement of patriotism, the American Flag, titled A Snack for Patriots. Emma’s art was shown at Dare Arts during the Dare A250 Faire, providing the young artist the opportunity to have her work displayed amongst those who will be her future peers.

Dare A250 Essay Awards

Six students distinguished themselves with an essay that blended thoughtful analysis, personal insight, and a deep appreciation for our shared cultural heritage. Their writing demonstrates exceptional clarity, creativity, and academic excellence, offering a powerful reflection on the themes at the heart of the A250 celebration. Through their scholarship, they each remind us, in their own way, how young voices can illuminate history, inspire dialogue, and shape the future of our community.

The following students were recognized for their essays:

Zofia Brewer, 10th grade, First Flight High School: Eva M. Clayton: The Struggle for Representation in North Carolina

Samantha Lasik, 11th grade, First Flight High School: Fighting for Civil Rights in Northeastern North Carolina

Molly Richards, 12th grade, First Flight High School: Hotel D’Afrique and the Struggle for Freedom in the Outer Banks

Viktoria Skultetyova, 7th grade, First Flight Middle School: Love, Perseverance, Home

Ike Vandermyde, 11th grade, First Flight High School: Founding Values & Frank Stick

Logan Veyna, 4th grade, Cape Hatteras Elementary School: Road to Freedom in the Outer Banks

Each student’s work contributes to the rich tapestry of America's 250th anniversary celebrations, reminding us that the stories, traditions, and artistic expressions of young people are essential to understanding who we are and who we aspire to become. Their voices and visions reflect not only personal talent but also a deep engagement with the themes that shape our shared history.

By recognizing these outstanding achievements, we also reaffirm our commitment to fostering opportunities for growth, mentorship, and community connection. These students showcase what is possible when imagination is encouraged, scholarship is supported, and creativity is celebrated. Their accomplishments are inspirational and strengthen the foundation for future generations of artists, thinkers, and leaders.