For Immediate Release
June 6, 2025
Skyline Middle School Student Selected as 2025 America’s Field Trip Awardee in Nationwide Contest
Preston, Missouri – June 6, 2025 – Hickory County R-I School District, in partnership with America250—the official national organization established by Congress to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States—is proud to announce that a student from Skyline Middle School has been named a 2025 America’s Field Trip awardee.
America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest that invites students in grades 3–12 to reflect on the question: “What does America mean to you?” A total of 150 students were selected as awardees from across 41 states and 4 U.S. territories by a panel of current and former educators.
Thousands of students from all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia submitted writing and artwork for the 2024–2025 contest. Seventy-five first-place winners will participate in immersive, unforgettable field trips to iconic American historical and cultural sites this summer. An additional seventy-five second-place winners will each receive a $500 cash award. This marks the second year of the program, following its successful pilot launch in 2024.
Skyline Middle School is thrilled to recognize Jase Smith, a sixth-grade student from Preston, Missouri, as the school’s first America’s Field Trip award recipient.
Jase was selected for his thoughtful and inspiring reflection on the meaning of America:
“To me, America represents a land of opportunity and freedom. Much like the fields we tend to on our farm, it requires hard work and dedication from its people. It is a country where we are free to pursue our dreams, just as we choose the crops we plant. America is built on the values of cooperation and community, where individuals work together for the common good. It is a place where we celebrate our achievements, honor our history, and look forward to a future of progress and unity.”