Young artist from central Ohio takes top prize in America’s Field Trip contest

PATASKALA, Ohio (WCMH) — A central Ohio 11-year-old won first place in America250’s America’s Field Trip contest, receiving national recognition and the trip of a lifetime this summer.

Eva Haylett of Pataskala used her art skills to respond to the competition’s question, “What does America mean to you?” Her vibrant image captured the attention of the judges from America250 and America 250-Ohio and the panel of current and former educators selected her drawing as a winner in the third to fifth grade category.

“I think of myself as a cartoonist,” said Haylett. “I love to draw on notebooks everywhere and anything that I can find. So I, I had a list of patriotic things and monuments that I come to think of [as] America. And from there, I just started doodling and it all came together.”

Launched in 2024, America’s Field Trip contest invited students from third grade to high school seniors to submit artwork, videos, or essays that expressed their patriotism. Thousands of entries were accepted from all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. A total of 150 winners were selected from 41 states and four U.S. territories.

“America’s Field Trip is a transformative opportunity for students across the country to engage with our nation’s history in meaningful, lasting ways,” said Rosie Rios, Chair of America250. “Our tentpole programs are intentionally designed to be hands-on, educational and engaging.”

Haylett, one of 75 first-place prize winners, said she was stunned to learn of her success.

“My mom was picking me up from choir and … got the email, and she showed me her phone, and I practically exploded,” said Haylett. “I was so excited and my mind was just racing.”

As a winner, she received her choice of a specialized field trip to American historical and cultural sites this summer. Out of more than a dozen excursions across the United States, Haylett chose a private guided tour of Yellowstone National Park. She said the four-day trip was a “bucket list” experience for her and her father.

“I was immediately down for Yellowstone,” said Haylett. “Ever since fifth grade, you’re learning about the states … I saw all the pictures, and it just seemed beautiful. I’ve always wanted to go see Montana and Wyoming, and I feel like Yellowstone was the perfect opportunity.”

Highlights of her trip included whitewater rafting and fly fishing.

“I caught five fish,” said Haylett. “It was just awesome. I caught brook trout and rainbow trout.”

Haylett’s entry was a colorful illustration that “captured the spirit of America.” It depicts a young girl holding an American flag, surrounded by U.S. landmarks and a map of the states with iconic symbols. Included in the image are the Golden Gate Bridge, the Space Needle, the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the Washington Monument, the U.S. Capitol, the Liberty Bell and a scroll of the U.S. Constitution, among others.

Eva Haylett’s artwork, America’s Field Trip contest (Courtesy/ America250 and America 250-Ohio)

After entering a similar contest organized by America 250-Ohio and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Haylett discovered she had won a second time.

“It once again was very surprising and just an honor to be … a part of that contest,” said Haylett.

That competition asked for art pieces or short essays about how Ohio’s natural resources played a role in the applicant’s life. Haylett received the ODNR Director’s Choice award and will go on an exclusive Ohio field trip put together by ODNR staff.

In addition to Haylett’s first-place win in America250’s America’s Field Trip contest, another Ohio fifth grader was honored as one of the 75 second-place winners. Aria Hous, from Springboro near Dayton, entered a “powerful written reflection.” She received a $500 cash prize.