This call is a publishing contest organized in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the United States, developed through a partnership between the National Medal of Honor Museum, iWRITE Literacy Organization, and The Bryan Museum, in collaboration with the New York Times. It seeks work that engages with the Medal of Honor values—Courage, Sacrifice, Commitment, Integrity, Citizenship, and Patriotism—by exploring a person or ideal that illuminates the American story. Submissions may take the form of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, letters, or artwork, and must demonstrate how one or more of these values guided the actions, decisions, or contributions of the chosen subject. The contest is open to students, and selected work will be published in an anthology. There is no entry fee. The deadline for individual entries is February 16, 2027. The organizers have not specified a cash prize or exhibition; the primary opportunity is publication within the anthology. The curatorial vision is rooted in civic reflection and historical consciousness, inviting young writers and artists to consider how personal, familial, communal, or historical figures embody ideals that have shaped the nation. Given the institutional partners, the anthology will likely be positioned as both an educational resource and a commemorative volume. The jury will seek clarity of expression, authenticity of voice, and a substantive engagement with the specified values. Work that treats these themes with nuance, avoiding mere slogan or cliché, will be most competitive. The contest does not restrict medium beyond the listed categories, and the absence of a fee lowers barriers to entry, though the thematic requirements are strict.