Contests
Create Your Own Comic Contest
Unleash Your Creativity in the “Create Your Own Comic” Contest!
Calling all storytellers, artists, and dreamers—this is your chance to bring your imagination to life on the page! As part of the Festival of the Arts, we invite classrooms across Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell counties to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in a truly heroic way: by creating your very own comic book*.
Whether you use our templates or start from scratch, your class will work together to craft a story that captures the spirit of America’s journey. From bold heroes to inspiring adventures, your creativity will shine through every panel.
Who Can Enter:
Every class—from elementary to college—is eligible! Entries will be judged in divisions: Elementary, Middle, High School, and College.
How to Submit:
Scan and upload your finished comic pages with the entry form—or mail them in. Just be sure your entry arrives by February 28, 2026.
Why Enter:
Winning classes will be honored at EagleCon on April 18, 2026, where they’ll be recognized for their storytelling talent and awarded exciting prizes! (each winning class will be able to choose between an Amazon or Papa Johns gift card**)
So sharpen your pencils, rally your classmates, and get ready to tell a story as bold and inspiring as America itself. Heroes aren’t just found in comic books—they’re created in the classroom!
*Entries must be a minimum of five pages (includes cover page) but can be more and received by the submission deadline
**as noted on submitted entry form
Reading is Super Challenge
Reading is Super! Join the Challenge This Fall
Grab your cape and your library card—it’s time to discover the power of reading! The Reading is Super Contest invites students from Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, and Tazewell counties to level up their literacy skills while celebrating the joy of books.
Here’s how it works: starting October 1, 2025, visit your school library or local public library, check out a book from their official contest reading list, and dive in. When you return the book, you’ll be asked a question about what you read. Earn points just for checking out—and even more for answering correctly!
For Students:
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Open to all grade levels.
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One winner per grade level (elementary, middle, high, and college) across all counties. (four winners in total)
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To be eligible students must submit their reading list (see below) before the contest ends on February 28, 2026.
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Winners will receive an Amazon gift card to reward their reading superpowers!
For Libraries:
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Both school and public branches are eligible.
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To be eligible a library must submit their all participant reading lists (see below) before the contest ends on February 28, 2026.
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Libraries earn points based on student participation in their reading list.
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The winning library will receive an Amazon gift card to expand their collection and share even more stories with the community.
Awards & Recognition:
Individual student winners and the top library will be recognized and awarded their prizes at EagleCon on April 18, 2026.
So suit up, pick up a book, and join the adventure. Because when it comes to imagination, knowledge, and discovery—reading is the greatest superpower of all!