Opportunities to Participate
America 250 Student Poetry and Art Contest
April 28-May 12
Each school in Channahon 17 is hosting an America 250 Art & Poetry Contest. $250 dollar local business certificates will be given at each school.
Route 66 Award: Did you know that Route 66 turns 100 years old this year? To celebrate, the top prize in each school will be a local business certificate valued at $100 and will be given to winner of the art and poetry contest.
N.B. Galloway Award: Did you know that Galloway School turns 50 years old this year? To celebrate, we will be giving away three $50 dollar certificates to local area businesses for the three runners up of the art and poetry contest at each school.
The contest will run from April 28 through May 12. To be considered, all entries must be received by the your child's respective school office by 3:20pm on May 12, 2026. A committee of educators in each school will review the submissions and make a final decision based on the crtieria listed. The first place winners will be invited to share their submissions at the May 18 School Board meeting.
Patriotic Flower Bed Planting & School Decoration
May 3
A message from our wonderful PTO!!!
"America is turning 250! Can you believe it? She doesn’t look a day over 249. We’re excited to celebrate America’s big birthday and would like to start with some red, white, and blue cheer. The district is providing us with some beautiful decorations to help the students, staff, and community feel the patriotic spirit. We would love your help on May 3rd planting flowers, placing flags, and hanging bows.
We’ll be at NB Galloway, Pioneer Path, and the District Office starting at 9am, and at TRS and CJHS starting at 10am! Bring a pair of gloves and your community pride as we get the schools ready to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial.
Scavenger Hunt
May - Scheduled by schools during the school day
Students in each school will participate in an America 250 Scavenger Hunt hosted created by Channahon parent and servant-leader, Anna Fisher! This fun event will focus on American history and the founding of our Nation. A small prize awaits every student who navigates the hunt!
America 250 Theme in Schools
Month of May
Throughout the month of May, our schools will recognize this historic milestone in a number of ways!
Patriotic Music during arrival, dismissal, and passing periods
Daily fun facts about the USA
Signage, uplighting, ribbons, and flowers at our schools
Presentation of Colors and patriotic songs by band and choir at Graduation and at the annual concert
America 250 presentations in classrooms
And more!
America 250 - Channahon Lock House Mosaic
During School
Students, can you find your face in our beautiful America 250 Student Mosaic hanging in your school? This gift from VanGogh Photography celebrates our community and our students in a patriotic way! These mosaics will hang in the entrances of each school. See the picture at the top of this page, which is the inspiration for the mosaic.
Illinois to America: The Stories that Shape Us!
Now Through May 31
The State of Illinois is hosting an essay contest for students in grade 6-12 who live in Illinois!
Winners will be announced on July 4th, 2026.
Prizes include:
Winning essays on display at the:
2026 Illinois State Fair
Lieutenant Governor’s Chicago and Springfield offices
Limited-edition Lieutenant Governor Challenge Coin
Letter and certificate from the Lieutenant Governor
Plus other exciting surprises!
America 250 Mural Painting
Month of May
Mrs. Verbic's art classes will be beautifying our grounds with a new mural at Pioneer Path school commemorating America's 250th birthday! We can't wait to see your beautiful art work!
Benjamin Franklin Visits Channahon
May 18
We are thrilled to welcome founding father, Dr. Benjamin Franklin, and Channahon 17 servant leader & PTO President, Krissy Bermingham, who will be visiting our schools to talk about America and the importance of commitment to service!
America Commemorative T-Shirt
Month of May
Every student and staff member in Channahon 17 will receive a commemorative America 250 T-Shirt! Make sure to wear your shirt through May and enjoy it all summer long as we celebrate America together!
America 250 Relay
Fall 2026 - Request Pending
Channahon 17 has submitted a request for our XC runners to take the baton by participating in the America 250 Relay in the Fall of 2026!
