The National Spanish Challenge (NSC) is an annual motivational contest designed to inspire elementary-to-middle school students to excel in their Spanish language studies. This year, the NSC once again introduced the NSC Coloring Contest, a.k.a. ¡Concurso Colorido!, a vibrant coloring contest that encouraged elementary-to-middle-school students to showcase their creativity while celebrating Hispanic culture. We are happy to announce the winners of the 2025 ¡Concurso Colorido! and share their inspiring stories.
These talented students impressed the judges with their unique enthusiasm and culturally rich artwork, earning them top honors in this year’s ¡Concurso Colorido!.
First Place
Caspian: A Passion for Wildlife
Caspian, a 2nd grader from Panama City Trilingual School, took home the first prize with his stunning depiction of wildlife from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries. Caspian’s parents, both biologists, have instilled in him a deep love for nature, particularly birds. This passion is evident in his artwork, which features a variety of bird species and lush landscapes.
Edamarie Hernández, Bilingual Language Program Coordinator at Panama City Trilingual School, shared, “When preparing for the coloring contest, he was eager to learn about wildlife from Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries. He explored online resources, flipped through bird guides, browsed photos from his parents’ past trips, and immersed himself in wildlife documentaries and selected species he thought were interesting!” Caspian’s dedication and curiosity led him to create a masterpiece that not only showcases his artistic talent but also his love for nature.
Second Place
Marianna: Embracing Heritage
Marianna, also a 2nd grader from Panama City Trilingual School, earned second place with her heartfelt piece titled “Mis Raíces, Mi herencia” (My Roots, My Heritage). Marianna’s artwork beautifully incorporates elements from both sides of her heritage—Colombian and Mexican. Her mom was born in Colombia, and her dad was born in Mexico, and Marianna wanted to honor both cultures in her drawing.
Marianna’s artwork features vibrant images of what she loves from each country, reflecting her identity as an American-Mexican-Colombian girl. From Colombian wildlife to Mexican decor, her drawings capture the essence of her multicultural background. Marianna’s piece is a testament to the importance of embracing one’s heritage and celebrating the diverse cultures that shape our identities.
Third Place
Zoya: A Journey of Discovery
Zoya, a 5th grader from Detroit Country Day School, secured third place with her captivating artwork that highlights various cultural elements. Zoya began learning Spanish in third grade, and her curiosity and passion for the language have continued to blossom. Her artwork features elements that have captured her interest, such as the art of flamenco, Mesoamerican history, and delicious Hispanic foods.
Zoya’s design is a reflection of her journey of discovery and her appreciation for Hispanic culture. Her artwork showcases the richness and diversity of Hispanic traditions, from the intricate movements of flamenco dancers to the historical significance of Mesoamerican artifacts. Zoya’s piece is a celebration of the cultural elements that have inspired her and fueled her passion for learning Spanish.
2025 ¡Concurso Colorido! Gallery
The Impact of the National Spanish Challenge
The National Spanish Challenge (NSC) is more than just a contest; it is a motivational tool that encourages students to excel in their Spanish language studies. Participants who score well earn ribbons, certificates, and students over 10 may even have the chance to apply for a scholarship. The NSC aims to foster a love for the Spanish language and culture, providing students with opportunities to showcase their skills and creativity.
Take a look at the full gallery of submissions from these talented young artists:
The ¡Concurso Colorido! is a perfect example of how the NSC inspires students to engage with Hispanic culture in meaningful ways. Through their artwork, Caspian, Marianna, and Zoya have demonstrated their passion for learning and their appreciation for the diverse cultures that make up the Spanish-speaking world.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants of the ¡Concurso Colorido! 2025. Your artwork has truly brought the beauty of Hispanic culture to life.
