Two NISD students named finalists for I Am Texas art and writing contest

The Bryan Museum named two Northwest ISD students as finalists for the 2026 I Am Texas Contest, which invites students across Texas to share stories and creativity through art and writing inspired by Texas history.

Medlin Middle School sixth-grader Max Lu is a finalist in the art competition, while Chisholm Trail Middle School seventh-grader Emma Dominguez is a finalist in the writing competition. The Bryan Museum in Galveston, Texas showcases art and historical pieces related to Texas history and hosts the contest for students across the state to submit entries that share Texas stories related to the museum’s artifacts and historical themes.

Each student entered their submissions to the contest at the end of April, earlier this year. Emma, has previously submitted entries in years past and previously been named a finalist. However, this is the first year for Max to submit an entry.

“I was really surprised when I found out the news that I was a finalist,” said Max. “I didn't think I would get this far.”

Max created a self portrait of himself while also combining features of Texas he likes, such as bluebonnets, a cowboy hat and the skyline of downtown Dallas. He found out about the contest from a private art teacher outside of NISD, who encouraged him to submit an entry.

Max’s work will be published in the 2026 Historian’s Journal, which will become part of the Museum’s permanent library collection and his artwork will be on display at the museum from October 7 through November 22. He also will be invited to a reception at The Bryan Museum. 

Emma submitted an essay about the Battle of San Jacinto and was initially inspired after seeing a diorama of the battle when she visited the Bryan Museum. This also is the third year in a row Emma has been named a finalist for this contest.

“I want to thank my dad for helping me. One of the first times I entered the contest I wrote about the Texas singer, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez and he helped me a lot.”

In the writing contest, the top three winners will be given a $100 gift card and the opportunity to be published in the I Am Texas Historian’s Journal, which will become a permanent part of the Bryan Museum’s Library Collection.

Each student will find out if they won their categories on September 28