Three Lakes Middle School sixth grader Charlee Klepfer has been named a statewide semifinalist in the 2026 I Am Texas Writing and Art Contest for her original piece, "Colorful Hill Country Sunset." The annual competition is hosted by The Bryan Museum and celebrates the culture, history, and diversity of Texas through the eyes of its students.
The Bryan Museum, located in Galveston, Texas, houses one of the world's largest collections of historical artifacts and artwork relating to Texas and the American West. Partnering with iWrite, a literacy organization dedicated to building student confidence through writing and publishing, the I Am Texas contest inspires the next generation of Texas storytellers and artists.
When the contest made its official launch in 2022, it made headlines by publishing 1000 student writers and artists in a single volume, obtaining the Guinness World Record for the Largest Published Book in the World (by kids). Since its record-breaking debut, the contest has expanded significantly across the state. Today, it offers a major platform for young creatives, with winning students earning thousands of dollars in cash prizes alongside prestigious publishing opportunities.
The next round of the competition is just around the corner. Finalists for this year's contest will be officially announced on August 24, 2026.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.