Big Stories Deserve Big Rewards
Win scholarships, tech prizes, and national recognition just for sharing the story that makes your hometown unforgettable.
Awards & Recognition
When you tell a powerful story, it deserves to be seen—and celebrated. The America’s Hometown Stories contest honors top student filmmakers with scholarships, tech prizes, and national recognition. Whether you place nationally or regionally, your work could inspire communities and be featured as part of the America 250 celebrations.
2026 National Scholarship Award Winners
1st Place Winner
Biko Sheridan, Washington, D.C.
“D.C.’s Field of Dreams”
2nd Place Winner
Audrey Chang, Chatsworth, CA
“Freedom to Belong”
3rd Place Winner
Luke Schmucker, Panhandle, TX
“Pride of Panhandle – Home of Champions”
Regional Finalists
Top submissions from the U.S. regions (Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West) will be named Regional Finalists.
2026 Regional Finalist Winners
Northeast Finalist
Jack Ryan, Suffield, CT
“Hilltop: The Treasure of New England Agriculture”
Northeast Finalist
“Old Sturbridge Village”
Northeast Finalist
Trinity Rose, Ellicott City, MD
“Built to Rise: The Story of Ellicott City”
Southeast Finalist
Hannah Claire Cassady, Smiths Grove, KY
“Bowling Green: A Hometown Story of America”
Southeast Finalist
“Why Mr. Gufford is a Local Hero”
Midwest Finalist
Solvei Hallstrom, Minneapolis, MN
“Minneapolis Comes Together During Operation Metro Surge”
Midwest Finalist
Alexis Engelke, Litchfield, MN
“U.S. Dakota War”
Southwest Finalist
“The Castle Park”
Southwest Finalist
“Ada, OK: Where the West Meets the South”
Southwest Finalist
“The Next Mission”
West Finalist
“Kite Party: Passing with Flying Colours”
West Finalist
“Dissonance”