Creative Expression Competition "That Time I Knew I Belonged..."

Creative Expression Competition "That Time I Knew I Belonged..."
“That Time I Knew I Belonged” is a storytelling competition sponsored by The Alliance of Idaho and the Sun Valley Museum of Art (SVMoA). The competition is open to high school juniors and seniors who attend Blaine County schools. Submissions may be in English or Spanish, and students who may be the first in their family to attend college are especially encouraged to participate.

The Alliance of Idaho and SVMoA invite students to respond to the prompt, “That time I knew I belonged…” Students should submit personal, autobiographical stories that explore moments of belonging, connection, and identity, or times when belonging felt just out of reach. Submissions may take the form of writing, visual art, or video, and should directly address the prompt while revealing something about what makes a community work—and about the moments when it doesn’t. What does it mean to belong? Where do you feel at home? When do you feel connected, comfortable, or at ease?

The Alliance and SVMoA are looking for originality, creativity, and emotional resonance in each submission. They share a commitment to building and celebrating communities in their many forms, from what happens on the soccer field to the dinner table, from the classroom to a dance class, from a walk in the woods to the pages of a book. Together, they believe diverse communities are stronger when everyone can flourish, and this competition is designed to recognize and honor the many ways people experience and create belonging.

If you have questions, please email education@svmoa.org

Who Can Apply?
• High School Juniors and Seniors in Blaine County

Application Due SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2026

Creative Expression Competition "That Time I Knew I Belonged"

The Alliance of Idaho and SVMoA invite students to respond to the prompt, “That time I knew I belonged…” Students should submit personal, autobiographical stories that explore moments of belonging, connection, and identity, or times when belonging felt just out of reach. Submissions may take the form of writing, visual art, or video, and should directly address the prompt while revealing something about what makes a community work—and about the moments when it doesn’t. What does it mean to belong? Where do you feel at home? When do you feel connected, comfortable, or at ease? The Alliance and SVMoA are looking for originality, creativity, and emotional resonance in each submission. They share a commitment to building and celebrating communities in their many forms, from what happens on the soccer field to the dinner table, from the classroom to a dance class, from a walk in the woods to the pages of a book. Together, they believe diverse communities are stronger when everyone can flourish, and this competition is designed to recognize and honor the many ways people experience and create belonging.
Student Name*

First NameLast Name
What is your preferred pronoun(e.g., He/Him, She/Her, They/Them, etc.)? (Optional)
Email Address*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Mailing Address (Please note that this may be different from residential address.)*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Current Grade in School*

11th Grade12th Grade
What school do you attend?*

Parent/Guardian Information
Parent/Guardian 1 *

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian 1 Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Parent/Guardian 1 Email*
example@example.com
Parent/Guardian 2 Information (Optional)

First NameLast Name
Parent/Guardian 2 Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Parent/Guardian 2 Email
example@example.com
Creative Expression Prompt: What does it mean to belong? Where do you feel at home? When do you feel connected? When do you feel comfortable or at ease? Please respond to the prompt, "That time I knew I belonged..."*

Please limit essays to 500-800 words. Video submissions should be no longer than 3 minutes. Please submit only one visual artwork. Upload your response here.
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Creative Expression Competition "That Time I Knew I Belonged..."

Creative Expression Competition "That Time I Knew I Belonged"

Parent/Guardian Information

Click SUBMIT to send in your completed application to Creative Expression Competition: "That Time I Knew I Belonged"