Tazewell student Keegan Brown is named a finalist in statewide competition

Keegan Brown is about to be a senior at Richlands High School, where she is also currently the Vice President of the school’s Art Club.

Brown was recently recognized as a finalist representing Region 7 in the statewide ‘Expressions of Freedom’ competition, which was organized by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and Virginia’s American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250).

For the “Expressions of Freedom” competition, Virginia students in grades 3-12 were encouraged to share their ideas and perspectives through artwork, videos, audio recordings, or essays in response to the question: “What does freedom mean to you?”

Brown said that art is something that has always meant the world to her- ever since elementary school. She said that she poured her heart and soul into the piece, and that it felt extra special to receive the news about her achievement from her art teacher, Rebekah Vandyke, who encouraged her to enter the contest.

“I was very excited when I found out,” said Brown. “I was at school and my teacher who showed me about the contest was the one who got to tell me that that I was a finalist.”

Out of 100 submissions, 11 Virginia students were selected and recognized during an event at the state capitol in Richmond on May 20, 2025. One student was selected as a finalist from each of the superintendent’s eight regions. Three students were selected as the top honors for elementary, middle, and high school. Keegan Brown is the finalist for region 7.

On June 18, 2025, the 11 winning entries were placed in a time capsule that will be go inside the restored pedestal of the iconic George Washington statue in Trafalgar Square, London. This statue is a symbol of the iconic landmark image of Washington. The London time capsule is set to be opened in 250 years, creating a lasting link between Virginia’s students today and future generations.