How students across the nation reimagined the American flag

Youth voices are rising in America - and they are not waiting for permission. They may not yet be eligible to vote, but they are already shaping the conversations, values, and imagination that will define the future of our democracy. Their perspectives aren't just important - they are essential.

USA TODAY has partnered with SUNN - a non-partisan organization publishing the nation's best student journalism and civic media on SUNNPost.com and NashvilleSUNN.com - to launch a bold, national call to middle and high schoolers in grades 5 through 12: Show us your America.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, we invited students to step into the story of our democracy - not as observers, but as creators. "Fly Your Flag" is the first of three national contests: In "Make Your Speech," students will deliver their own presidential speeches; in "Sing Your Anthem," they'll perform their own national anthems. In all contests, young Americans will be inspired to explore the past, present and future of democracy.

We're not just looking for talent. We're looking for perspective, courage, and creativity in young voices that often go unheard. Our judges include actor and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus; renowned artist Kadir Nelson; teacher-influencer Sharon McMahon; and Olympian Jasmine Jones. These all-star civic leaders believe that a thriving democracy depends on participation and the free exchange of ideas.

Finalists, 5th-8th grades

Finalists, 9th-12th grades

Finalists, AI bonus category, 9th-12th grades

QUICK CONTEST FACTS:

• The Fly Your Flag contest ran from April 6 to June 1, 2026.
• To enter, students submitted a digital image of an American flag of their own unique design (see submission rules), along with a short description (200-400 words).
• Entrants are grades 5-12; a parent/guardian was required to submit for students aged 12 and younger.
  • 1st place winners: $1,000
  • 2nd place winners: $750
  • 3rd place: $500.

"Fly Your Flag" comes from a long history of creative contests held to design national symbols - the Washington Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the White House were all designed by contest winners, for example, as was our 50-star flag.

If you're an educator or parent, these contests are an opportunity to invite the young people in your life to think deeply, create boldly, and share their vision. And if you're simply watching, get ready: What they create will challenge, surprise and inspire.

Civics is a collective endeavor, so we want to do more than celebrate a group of winners. We're showcasing an extensive gallery of the flag submissions we received to represent a full range of ideas and perspectives.

The story of the American flag spans hundreds of years

In 1777, lawmakers at the Second Continental Congress passed a simple resolution:

"That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation."

A new constellation.

Not just a design, but an idea. A way of imagining separate points of light as something connected. A symbol of a country still being formed.

Nearly 250 years later, that entire constellation - not just the number of stars - has grown and shifted. Over time, artists have fully reimagined the flag as a way to honor and challenge it. From Jasper Johns to Andy Warhol to Amy Sherald, generations have changed the flag's colors, context, and form to reflect new perspectives on American life. Each interpretation expands the meaning of this symbol.

We asked students to create a flag that flies for everyone, or challenges us to think about who has been left out. Something that captures not just what America is, but what it could be. They responded with flags that represent the values and ideals of the America they want to live in.

In a complex and often divided democracy, some of the most imaginative, honest, and unifying voices belong to those who haven't yet been handed the microphone.

These contests are their chance to take it.

And we're here to listen.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the incredible entries we've received so far!

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Fly Your Flag Contest judges

Julia Louis-Dreyfus' comedic versatility and tremendous skill has made her one of Hollywood's most sought-after actors and producers, expertly shaping a career full of memorable roles.

Louis-Dreyfus starred in and served as executive producer for HBO's hit series Veep, which wrapped after seven critically-acclaimed seasons. She earned worldwide acclaim for portraying Elaine Benes in the hit NBC series Seinfeld and as Christine Campbell in the CBS hit comedy The New Adventures of Old Christine. Between all shows combined, Louis-Dreyfus has received eleven Emmys with twenty-six nominations. In 2017, she broke records for the most Emmys won by a single performer and the most consecutive wins for a single role through her performance in Veep.

Notably recognized for her groundbreaking impact, Louis-Dreyfus received the 2021 National Medal of Arts from the White House for her trailblazing influence on women in comedy and American culture. Her accomplishments span various awards such as a Golden Globe, Critics' Choice, and Screen Actors Guild awards.

Beyond her television successes, Louis-Dreyfus starred in A24's You Hurt My Feelings, the "mother-daughter fairytale" Tuesday alongside Lola Petticrew from the same studio. Louis-Dreyfus also made her return as Valentina in the critically acclaimed Marvel film, Thunderbolts alongside Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Sebastian Stan. She is also the host of hit podcast, "Wiser Than Me," where Louis-Dreyfus sits down with iconic older women who share their wisdom that only comes with age.

Sharon McMahon "America's Government Teacher," Sharon McMahon is a former high school teacher and a #1 bestselling writer who now educates millions online by breaking down complex aspects of our political system. She inspires followers and readers to get involved and take action as @sharonsaysso on Instagram and with her newsletter,The Preamble. She's raised millions for disaster and crisis relief, and for classrooms nationwide.

Jasmine Jones Jasmine Jones won the Bronze in two-woman Bobsled for Team America at the 2026 Winter Olympics. In addition to representing her country as an athlete, she serves as a Senior Airman with the United States Air Force. She completed nationally in track and field in both high school and in college, at Eastern Michigan University.

Kadir Nelson Artist and author Kadir Nelson is known for his iconic New Yorker covers and has paintings displayed in the U.S. House of Representatives, the Smithsonian, and the International Olympic Committee, among others. He's author and illustrator of several bestselling children's books, and winner of the Caldecott Medal and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for The Undefeated, written by Kwame Alexander.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How students across the nation reimagined the American flag

Reporting by USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published July 4, 2026 at 11:31 AM.