Paris High School student Hannah Cunningham has once again earned statewide recognition for her writing, being named a finalist in the 2026 I Am Texas Writing and Art Contest hosted by The Bryan Museum in Galveston.

Cunningham was selected as a finalist for her short story, “Waiting on the Edge of War.” This marks the second consecutive year she has been recognized as a finalist in the statewide competition, highlighting her continued talent and achievement as a young writer.

As a finalist, Cunningham’s work will be published in the 2026 Historian’s Journal, which will become part of The Bryan Museum’s permanent library collection. She will also be invited to attend a special I Am Texas reception at the museum in Galveston. Winners of the 2026 competition will be announced September 28.

The I Am Texas contest began in 2022 as a partnership between The Bryan Museum and the iWRITE Literacy Organization. The organizations initially joined forces to publish the work of 1,000 student writers and artists in a Guinness World Record-breaking book. Since then, the competition has continued to grow across Texas, providing young writers and artists opportunities for publication, recognition, and prizes.

In 2027, the competition will temporarily be renamed the I Am America contest in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. The Bryan Museum is partnering with the National Medal of Honor Museum, iWRITE Literacy Organization, and New York Times bestselling author and illustrator team Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos for the special nationwide-themed competition.

Students in grades 2–12 will be invited to create works exploring the people and values that have shaped the nation, with an emphasis on courage, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, citizenship, and patriotism.

Paris ISD congratulates Hannah on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to cheering her on when the 2026 I Am Texas winners are announced later this month.