Students Reflect on America’s 250th Anniversary Through Podcasts

As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, NPR engaged students nationwide to express their thoughts through podcasts highlighting what ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’ means to them. The initiative attracted over 700 submissions, featuring dialogues with immigrant relatives, illuminating interviews with veterans and public figures, and creative reenactments of historical events like the Battle of Monmouth and the Stonewall riots.

The students’ work spanned various themes, including civics education and personal narratives. NPR selected several winners, emphasizing their insightful exploration of American identity and experience.

Winner Entries

Abridged

High school students Grace Kepka and Angelika Garrett from Montgomery Blair High School focused on youth empowerment through voting rights. Their podcast emphasized how participation encourages civic education and political engagement.

Civics in Our Schools

Fifth graders from Hewlett Elementary School expressed concern about inadequate civics education. Their podcast posed solutions for enhancing citizenship understanding.

Leaving Greece

Livie Courser from Wickliffe Progressive Elementary School interviewed her grandfather about his immigration from Greece. His narrative illustrated the challenges and achievements influenced by the American Dream.

Researching the Underground Railroad

Fourth graders Travis Bozeman and Oliver Heering from South Douglas Elementary explored the historical significance of the Underground Railroad. Their podcast incorporated expert interviews.

The American Dream

Makayla Cheung from Mercer Island High School shared her father’s story of immigration from Hong Kong due to his athletic talent. His journey highlighted diverse interpretations of the American Dream.

The Journal

Violet Maxinoski from Carmel High School recorded her mother’s experiences from Iraq and contrasted them with life in America, emphasizing gratitude for the freedoms often taken for granted.

Welcome Home, Grandpa

Ursula Koestner from Roslyn High School examined the long-lasting effects of the Vietnam War on her grandfather and broader implications for veterans.

Honorable Mentions

• Pareena Gupta and Vidushee Bala from Amador Valley High School explored America’s varied landscapes and histories.
• Alana Burwell from The Waldorf School of Philadelphia offered perspectives on America’s triumphs and challenges.
• Josephine and Malcolm Barry-Kao from Lowell High School investigated the rise of girls’ flag football as a popular sport.
• Waylon Heikinen from Ingomar Middle School delved into varying perspectives within American society.
• Karolina Zientek and collaborators from Greenwich High School discussed becoming American.
• Lukas Boulom from Public Academy For Performing Arts shared thoughts on America’s anniversary through music.
• Makenna Aniszewski and team from Otwell Middle School asked if equality has been achieved.
• Jeju Daisy Ahn-Miles from Punahou School analyzed the inclusivity within democracy.
• Lara Leon from Mountain View High School explored giving back through her podcast.
• Naina Dhillon from Khan Lab School centered her podcast on diverse stories under one flag.
• Dipa Chéry from The Kinkaid School highlighted the pursuit of freedom.
• Afomia Lemma from St. Mary’s Lynn narrated a conversation between immigrants.
• Zinnia Bender from North Fork High School presented themes of hope and resistance.
• Yicheng Sun from Rectory School discussed life experiences in the U.S.
• Della Axelband and peers from Jupiter Middle School investigated soldiers’ lives.
• Josie Sloan-Westmoreland from The Learning Community School explored impactful photographs.
• Ida Buerckert and others from Irving A. Robbins Middle School narrated cross-country moves.
• Zoe Snyder from Susquenita High School revisited historical battles with new perspectives.
• Caroline Harris from Marin Academy questioned historical impacts.
• Lark Jackman from Public Academy For Performing Arts touched on hope represented by a rainbow.
• Abbott Mearns and Keaton Rainwater from College Place Middle School brought to life President Theodore Roosevelt’s pets.
• Leonardo, Zinna, and Kaiden from Marlboro Middle School offered a new look at historical battles.
• Abraham Coher and William Pan from Polytechnic School reflected on the freedom to fail.
• Anna Su from Montgomery Blair High School researched government workforce issues.
• Jubilee Sung from Imaginate Ink shared an immigrant’s story.
• Petra Rouhana from Maryvale Preparatory School explored culinary culture.
• Noam Dekel and group from P.S. 333 Manhattan School for Children discussed peace-making efforts.
• Josh Langlois from Cloverleaf Home Education pondered citizenship unity.
• Allayar Maratov from Rectory School explored dual dreams and realities.
• Siobhan Allen from The Hewitt School reflected on defining home.