Each February the Georgia Historical Society (GHS) commemorates Georgia Day as part of the Georgia History Festival, marking the anniversary of the founding of Georgia in 1733. Georgia Day gives us a unique opportunity to consider what Georgia and Georgia history means to each of us. Georgia Day events, activities, and resources offer students across the state a chance to learn about Georgia’s past and express that they have learned in creative ways. Students who participate in individual Statewide Student Art Contest or the Classroom Contest by interpreting the annual Georgia Day theme gain unique and engaging learning experiences.
Through the 2024-2025 Georgia History Festival theme, “The Reality of Our Liberty”: The First Amendment and Freedom of the Press,” students investigated the role and evolution of the press and media in Georgia from the founding to today. They engaged creatively with the history of the press in Georgia through the art contest theme of, “Extra! Extra! Headlines in Georgia History.”
The Georgia Day Statewide Student Art Contests are sponsored by
2025 Georgia Day Student Art Contest Winners
Elementary
First Place – Augustine Kongoasa, SKA Academy, Gwinnett County
Second Place – Y Tran, SKA Academy, Gwinnett County
Third Place – Annelie Castaneda & Micole Thompson, Southwest Elementary, Chatham County
Honorable Mention – Jayden Holmes & Dillon Reynolds, Southwest Elementary, Chatham County
Middle
First Place – Jenna Barker, Youth Middle, Walton County
Second Place – Emma Barnett, Youth Middle, Walton County
Third Place – Qiaohui Shi, SKA Academy, Gwinnett County
Honorable Mention – Tyla Ector, General Ray Davis Middle, Rockdale County
High
First Place – Catherine Malcome, Morgan County High, Morgan County
Second Place – Jiyoung Park, Mill Creek High, Gwinnett County
Third Place – Aashni Sridhar, SKA Academy, Gwinnett County
Honorable Mention – Gabrielle Thompson, Rockdale County High, Rockdale County
Thank you to the 2024-2025 Georgia History Festival Sponsors and Host Committee!
For a complete list of Georgia History Festival sponsors and Host Committee, click here.