Cooper Announces Winners of Liberty Bell Project

May 29, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland) announced the winners of her recent Let Freedom Ring 250 Bell Challenge. Throughout the 55th Legislative District, fourth grade classrooms were given a 3-foot Liberty Bell to decorate. Students were challenged to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, highlight Pennsylvania’s history, as well as draft a short explanation of their design.

“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I can think of no better mission than to make sure Pennsylvania’s future leaders are aware of our incredible past, rooted in freedom and community,” said Cooper. “My staff and I knew that there would be a great response, and we received just that! The work put into these projects was absolutely incredible. I want to thank the teachers and students who participated with such positive energy.” 

In all, six school districts and two private schools, for a total of 52 fourth grade classrooms, participated in the contest. In the first round, each school selected one bell, narrowing the field to 12 projects to enter the final round. The remaining bells were judged by staff at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art.

“The projects were impressively detailed, and it was easy to tell that the students worked collaboratively to create a fitting monument to celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” said Westmoreland Museum of American Art CEO Silvia Filippini-Fantoni. “While all of the bells were terrific in their own way, a very special few stood out because of how they embraced the theme, using our state colors and symbols.”

Winners of the Let Freedom Ring 250 Bell Challenge include:

• First Place: Grandview Elementary – Derry Area School District – Mrs. Sinclar’s class.

• Second Place: Amos K. Hutchinson Elementary School – Greensburg Salem School District – students from Mrs. Funk’s, Mrs. D. Gates’, Mrs. R. Gates’ and Mrs. Zahorchak’s classes.

• Third Place: Kiski Area South Primary – Kiski Area School District – Mrs. Thompson’s class.

Winning projects will be on display in Cooper’s capitol office throughout June and will then be displayed at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art on July 11 during the museum’s Putt-a-palooza program, which is an art-inspired, 9-hole mini-golf opportunity for all ages. More information can be found on the museum’s website, thewestmoreland.org. 

Attached photos are of Rep. Cooper with each winning teacher and class.

Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com