For Immediate Release: June 12, 2025

Contact: Kevin Larsen, Media Director, 606-773-6000. Kevin.Larsen@state.sd.us

Flandreau student earns second place in national contest

Pierre, SD -- A student from Flandreau has been named a second-place winner of the 2025 America’s Field Trip contest. Hannah Ehrichs, a homeschool student in the seventh grade, will receive $500 for her submission to the contest. America’s Field Trip was sponsored by America250, a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250^th anniversary of the United States.

 The 2025 America’s Field Trip contest invited students in grades 3-12 to reflect on the question, “What does America mean to you?” The students sent in artwork and essays to answer the question. The 150 America’s Field Trip awardees hail from 41 states and four U.S. territories. The awardees were selected by a panel of current and former educators. This summer, 75 first-place winners will embark on an unforgettable field trip to iconic American historic and cultural sites; 75 second-place awardees are each receiving a $500 cash reward.

“Our nation’s 250^th has afforded us a great opportunity to educate all ages on our founding principles,” said State Historian and America250 South Dakota Commission Chairman Ben Jones. “Hannah’s submission left a great impression upon the judges; we’re proud to see a winner from South Dakota.”

This marks the second group of America’s Field Trip awardees recognized by America250 and follows the successful pilot program launched in 2024. A third contest for the 2025-26 school year will begin in fall 2025.

For a full list of awardees and a selection of winning submissions, please visit https://america250.org/fieldtrip/awardees/.