All category entries are submitted using the Canva slideshow template and uploading your work. This could be a piece of writing, a photo of your artwork, a S.T.E.A.M. project, or teaching us something new! These categories are independent, so you do not need a teacher or coach to participate!

2025-2026 Virtual Submission Schedule

Student Submission Window: December 1 - February 27

Submission Deadline: February 27, 2026

Student Revision Dates: March 9 - 20

CE! Submissions Posted Online: April 3, 2026

Category Judging Window: April 6 to April 17

Ceremony: April 25, 2026

Winners of the CE! Virtual Submissions will be announced at the Celebrating Artistic Excellence! on April 25, 2026, at WHS.

How will you participate?

Graphic Design

Unleash your creativity and design something amazing! Students in grades K–12 are invited to participate in the WPS Graphic Design Contest. Create an original digital artwork or design that expresses your ideas, passions, or vision for the future.

Photography

Calling all young photographers! Show off your creativity and capture the world through your lens in the WPS Photography Contest. Students in grades K–12 are invited to submit their best original photos that highlight beauty, emotion, or unique perspectives.

Visual Arts

Students can showcase their talents through a unique art piece, a gallery montage, or a short film for all to see!

Visual Arts Submission Criteria

You Teach Us

The tables are turned in this category in that students teach us a skill or a topic of your choice!

Teaching Submission Criteria

Student Film

Do you enjoy making short films for TikTok or other social media sites? Be creative and create a 2-3 minute film that helps you develop the skills necessary to start working in the cinema industry.

Student Film Criteria

Creative Writing

Are you especially good at putting your thoughts down on paper, whether through prose or poetry? If so, this category is for you!

Creative Writing Submission Criteria

S.T.E.A.M. Challenge

Levels 00 L02: Build a Robot with a Purpose

Calling all young inventors! In this year’s K–2 STEAM Challenge, students will use their creativity and problem-solving skills to turn everyday recyclable materials into something extraordinary — a robot with a purpose!

Levels 03–05: Build a Water Transporter

Future engineers — it’s time to solve a splashy problem! In this challenge, students will design and build a simple system to move water from one container to another without directly carrying or pouring it. Using everyday materials, teams will explore the science of movement, pressure, and design.

Levels 06–08: Earthquake-Proof Tower

Middle school engineers, get ready to shake things up! In this STEAM Challenge, students will explore structural engineering by building a tower that can withstand an “earthquake.” Using limited materials, teams will test how design choices impact strength, balance, and stability.

Level 09–12: Sustainable City Design

High school innovators, the future is in your hands! In this advanced STEAM Challenge, students will combine design thinking, environmental science, and engineering to create a model of a sustainable city of the future. Teams will consider renewable energy, waste management, transportation, and green spaces.