Jimmy Carter, the 39^th President of the United States, spent his life serving others with kindness, generosity, and a deep commitment to peace. His legacy reminds us to care for our communities and work toward a better world. On Wednesday, October 1, Gwinnett County will honor President Carter for the first official Jimmy Carter Day in Gwinnett County.

We invite Gwinnett County Public School students (elementary, middle and high school) in the Norcross and Meadowcreek clusters to use their creativity to show us how President Carter’s legacy of service has inspired you to create positive change in your community or around the world.

You can submit original artwork in these categories:

1. Visual Art (K–12)
• Mediums may include drawing, painting, digital illustration, or mixed media, 2D or 3D.
2. Written Essay (Grades 3–12)
• Personal reflections, narrative storytelling, poems or persuasive essays that connect to Carter’s legacy.
3. Optional Digital Media Submissions
• Video, spoken word, or audio reflections up to 90 seconds long.
• Will be eligible for online feature only, not for judging.

39 winners will be selected to honor the 39^th President!

• 3 Grand Prize winners (1 each from elementary, middle, and high school):
• Winning artwork displayed at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
• Recognized at the October 1 event and in a formal Gwinnett County news release. 
• Winning artwork displayed at Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center
• 36 Honorable Mentions will have selected work displayed at Gwinnett locations and featured on County and Gwinnett County Public Schools social media.

For Visual Art

• Must be original work by the student.
• Size must be no larger than 11x14 inches (physical or scanned image).
• Submit high-quality photo/scan. Please include measurements, material/items used for submitted images.
• No AI-generated content.

For Essays, Personal Reflections, or Narrative Storytelling

• Word Count
• Elementary: 150–300 words
• Middle: 300–500 words
• High School: 500–750 words
• Submission typed and submitted as PDF or Word doc.
• Submissions are judged on creativity, clarity, grammar, and relevance to the theme.

For Poetry

• Word Count, no more than 300 words
• Elementary: 150–300 words
• Middle: 150–300 words
• High School: 150–300 words
• Submission typed and submitted as PDF or Word doc.
• Submissions are judged on creativity, clarity, grammar, and relevance to the theme.

For Digital Media

• 60 - 90 seconds (may not exceed 90 seconds in length).
• Vertical or horizontal submissions (for reels or YouTube). 
• MP4 or MOV format
• Optional, not judged for prizes, but selected works will be included in digital showcase.

Submission Details

The contest entry form and upload portal will be available on GwinnettCounty.com or a designated Gwinnett County Schools/Gwinnett County Public Library partner page.

Students may submit entries individually or through their schools/teachers.

Comprised of

• 1 Gwinnett County Communications Staff

• 1 Gwinnett County Public Schools Representative (Central Office representative)

• 1 Local artist

• 1 Student artist

• Gwinnett County Equity Officer

Judge Criteria

• Judges can review submissions at any time prior to the deadline.

• Judging should be completed by Monday, September 15.

• Judges should be unbiased.

Judges scores will be based on:

• Creativity: Originality of concept, uniqueness of approach, and imaginative expression (1-5)

• Connection to Carter’s Legacy: Originality of concept, uniqueness of approach, and imaginative expression (1-5)

• Quality of Execution: Technical skill, effort, clarity, and completeness of the final piece (1-5)

• Grade-Level Appropriateness: Appropriateness and complexity of content based on the student’s grade level (1-5)

Score: 20 Total Points 

Winners and their school will be notified by email and/or phone.