Wylie East Sophomore Wins National America’s Field Trip Award

A Wylie East High School student is bringing national recognition back to North Texas. Sophomore Atharva Eleyaar was named a first-place winner in the America’s Field Trip award, a nationwide contest organized by America250, part of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. Out of 25 high school winners across the country, he was the only student from Texas to earn the honor.

The competition asked students to answer the question, “What does America mean to you?” In his essay, Atharva reflected on his life after moving from India at age five, sharing how his parents’ sacrifices and the country’s values of creativity, innovation and community have shaped his future goals. He expressed his hope that anyone, regardless of where they come from, can help shape the future and make a meaningful impact.

A Trip to Remember

As part of his prize, Atharva traveled to the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, from Aug. 6–8. There, he met former NASA astronaut Stephen Frick and former U.S. Treasurer Rosa Rios, whose signature appears on much of the nation’s currency. According to an official statement released by Wylie ISD, both shared perspectives on leadership, space exploration and public service.

The visit deepened Atharva’s passion for STEM and his goal of becoming an aerospace engineer. “I’m deeply grateful for the encouragement and resources I’ve received from my school and district, which have played an important role in helping me achieve this milestone,” Atharva said in an official statement.

About America’s Field Trip

America’s Field Trip is a nationwide scholastic contest created by America250, the organization leading the United States’ Semiquincentennial commemoration in 2026. Open to students in grades 3–12 from all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and U.S. territories, the contest invites participants to share what America means to them through essays or original artwork. 

First-place winners earn once-in-a-lifetime trips to historic and cultural landmarks across the country, while second-place winners receive a cash award. The program aims to amplify young voices as the nation reflects on its past and looks ahead to its next 250 years.

To learn more about the program, click here.

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