Mansfield teen turns reflection on soldiers into America’s Field Trip-winning artwork

MANSFIELD — Reba Kinder never expected her classroom art assignment to stand out among more than 10,000 submissions from across the country.

The 15-year-old Northmor High School sophomore was one of 125 first-place winners in the 2026 America’s Field Trip contest. Her artwork was inspired by soldiers, sacrifice and the people who serve the country.

America 250-Ohio and America250 announced Kinder and a Delaware County freshman as Ohio’s first-place winners. The contest asked students in grades 3 to 12 to reflect on the question, “What does America mean to you?”

More than 10,000 students from all 50 states, five U.S. territories and the District of Columbia submitted writing and artwork for the contest.

Kinder first learned of the contest in February as an assignment from her art teacher.

“You had to make something, but didn’t have to enter,” Kinder said.

She eventually entered her work and spent about three to four weeks on it, working one to two hours a day during school.

A reflection on sacrifice

When Kinder first saw the question, “What does America mean to you?” her thoughts went immediately to soldiers.

“How much they do for us and what they’re willing to pay,” she said. “How sometimes someone comes to collect that payment.”

Her grandmother, Becky Westbrook, also played an important role in motivating her as she worked.

“I owe her so much and I pushed myself to do my best so even when I didn’t win, I’d have something she’d be proud of,” Kinder said.

Her biggest concern while creating the piece involved whether people would understand the meaning she wove into it. She hopes people who see her work understand the importance of caring for veterans, reservists, active-duty soldiers and those who died.

“(That) isn’t a mission statement,” Kinder said. “It’s not a string of weightless words. It’s real people — people who have died, are dying and will die to protect you.”

She hopes her work reminds people that political opinions should not determine whether they show empathy.

“Remembrance for all who gave some and the some that gave all,” Kinder said. “The least you can do is stand for a few seconds with your hat off your head and your heart in your hand.”

When Kinder learned she won, she sat in her seventh-period art class as two school counselors entered carrying a poster board with tear-away sheets.

“They made a big show of it, including the dramatics,” Kinder said. “I had looked around the room for whose it could be. I don’t think I even considered myself.”

The announcement left her shocked. She could not stop smiling and laughing as she tried to process the news.

If you lose then say ‘I’ll do better’ and go back to life. If you win then there are memories to make and a life to live. Take the chance and live yours.

reba kinder

“I forced my Papaw John to get me off the bus so I didn’t have to wait to tell him,” Kinder said. “After, we drove down the road to tell my Grammy Kim and Papaw James.”

Todd Kleismit, executive director of America 250-Ohio, said the two Ohio winners offered thoughtful reflections on the meaning of America.

“We are incredibly proud that two Ohio students were recognized as winners,” Kleismit said. “Their thoughtful reflections on what America means to them can serve as an inspiration to us all as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary.”

Rosie Rios, chair of America250, called America’s Field Trip a transformative opportunity for students to engage with the nation’s history.

From classroom painting to Charleston

As a first-place winner Kinder received a specially curated field-trip experience. She traveled to Charleston, South Carolina, where the state aquarium stood out as the most exciting part of the trip.

“I have always loved the water’s creatures, especially sea turtles and jellyfish,” Kinder said. “The whole experience was simply amazing.”

Kinder has painted since she was about 7 years old, describing her work as “hot glue monstrosities.”

She was self-taught aside from one freshman art class and has spent the past four to five years practicing on various canvases.

“I still have much to improve on,” Kinder said. “My goal is to find a job I can do for 40 years that I enjoy,” she said.

Her father, John Westbrook, noted the family’s pride in his daughter.

“The dedication to her art is so inspiring,” Westbrook said. “As is her ability to get along with others.”

For Kinder, the experience also offered a lesson she hopes other students take with them when they see an opportunity.

“It’s always worth the chance,” she said. “Who cares the odds?

“If you lose then say ‘I’ll do better’ and go back to life. If you win then there are memories to make and a life to live. Take the chance and live yours.”