Attendance Awareness Student Art and PSA Contest
Leader in Me in partnership with the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, invites Florida students to pariticipate in a statewide contest to share, in their own words and creativity, what they love about coming to school and why showing up matters. Students may create original artwork or a short public service announcement (PSA) that shows how school helps them learn, connect with friends and teachers, explore their interests, and prepare for their future.
Contest Dates:
September 1-30, 2026
Contest Theme:
Show us what you love about coming to school.
Contest at a Glance
Quick details for students, families, schools, and district partners.
Who Can Enter:
Florida Students in grades K-12
Poster Contest:
Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
Recognition:
Winners and runners-up are awarded prizes & recognized statewide.
PSA Contest
Grades 6-8 and 9-12
Contest deadline is September 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Contest Theme
Show what you love about coming to school!
Students may create their own message about why school matters to them. Entries should be positive, creative, and encouraging.
Theme ideas students may explore:
- Learning something new
- Seeing friends
- Connecting with teachers
- Clubs, sports, arts or activities
- Building confidence
- Future career interests
- Preparing to lead
Prizes and Recognition
Elementary Poster Contest (K-2 and 3-5)
Winner $150 LEGO Gift Certificate
Runner-Up $75 LEGO Goft Certificate
Awarded in each elementary age range
Middle and High School Contest (6-8 and 9-12)
Winner $
Runner-Up $
Awarded in each age range category for both the poster and PSA contest
Entry Guidelines
Poster Entry Guidelines
- Poster entries may be hand-drawn or created digitally.
- Students should not place their name on the front of the poster.
- Student information should be included only in the submission form.
- Accepted file types: JPEG, PNG, or PDF.
- Posters should be easy to read and clearly connect to the theme.
PSA Entry Guidelines
- PSA entries must be 60 seconds or less.
- Students may work individually or as a team of five students or fewer.
- Videos should be positive, school-friendly, and appropriate for public sharing.
- Music must be original, royalty-free, or approved for student use.
- Accepted file types: MOV or MP4.
Who Can Enter:
- K-2
- 3-5
- 6-8
- 9-12
Contest Categories:
Poster Contest: Open to students in grades K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12. Students may submit hand-drawn or digital artwork.
PSA Contest: Open to students in grades 6–8 and 9–12. Students may submit a video public service announcement (PSA) that is 60 seconds or less. Students may enter individually or as a team of three students or fewer.
Winners will be announced at the Consortium’s ConnectED Conference on October 13, 2026 in Orlando, FL.
Contest Rules
Poster Contest Rules
- Open to students in grades K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12.
- Entries may be hand-drawn or digital.
- Entries must be original student work.
- Students should not place their name on the front of the poster.
- Entries should use positive, encouraging language and avoid negative, punitive, or blame-based messages.
- Do not use copyrighted images, characters, logos, or brand names unless permission has been granted.
- Students may use digital tools for editing, layout, or support, but the final concept, message, and creative work must reflect the student’s own ideas. Submission where over 25% of the work is created by AI will not be accepted.
- Entries must be received by September 30, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
PSA Contest Rules
- Open to students in grades 6–8 and 9–12.
- PSA entries videos must be 60 seconds or less.
- Students may enter individually or as a team of three students or fewer.
- A completed release is required for all students involved.
- Videos must be positive, school-friendly, and appropriate for sharing on websites, social media, and at public events.
- Music must be original, royalty-free, or approved for student use.
- Entries may not include copyrighted songs, images, logos, characters, brand names, or video clips unless permission has been granted.
- Submissions must be MOV or MP4.
- Students may use digital tools for editing or support, but submission where over 25% of the work is created by AI will not be accepted.
- Entries must be received by September 30, 2026 at 11:59pm ET
Judging Criteria
Entries will be judged by Consortium partners, education leaders, and invited community leaders.
- Connection to the theme
- Creativity and originality
- Clear, positive attendance message
- Student voice
One winner and one runner-up will be selected in each grade-level category.
Submission Checklist
- Student name
- Grade level
- School name
- District name
- Parent or guardian contact information
- Teacher or school contact, if applicable
- Digital copy of the poster or PSA
- Completed media release form found on submission page
Questions
Please contact Angel Adams, Director of Communications for the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations
Deadline
Entries must be received by September 30, 2026 at 11:59pm ET