Congressman Kean Announces Essay Contest Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary

(April 14, 2026) LEBANON, NJ - Today, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) announced that his office is accepting submissions for an essay contest to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. The contest is to open to all students in grades 3-6 residing in New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District.

Using their own words, students are encouraged to creatively honor this upcoming milestone in America's history by writing an essay that responds to the following prompt:

• America's Story Begins at Home: History isn't just in textbooks-it's in our own backyards. What role did your New Jersey hometown play in shaping the nation? Whether it's a pioneering person, a historic landmark, or a pivotal local event, tell the story of how your hometown helped shape the future of America.

"New Jersey has a uniquely rich history and important stories to tell of our nation's founding," said Congressman Kean. "There are many historical figures, important places, and significant events that students can study and highlight in their essays. I am excited to host this new contest for elementary and intermediate school-aged students, and I look forward to reading their submissions."

Students in 3rd and 4th grades should submit essays no longer than 150 words and students in 5th and 6th grades should submit essays no longer than 300 words. The winning essays will be framed and hung in Congressman Kean's New Jersey and Washington, D.C. offices and will be published on Congressman Kean's official website.

The submission deadline is Friday, May 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM. For official guidelines and submission details, please visit Congressman Kean's website HERE.

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