Student Postcard Contest Theme: Languages Build Community
For All Students Enrolled in World Language Classes in Wisconsin
Elementary (PK – 5)
Middle School (6 – 8)
High School (9 – 12)
Post-Secondary (Undergraduate)
Public Relations
As you learn more about our world, bring the world to Wisconsin. Show us how much languages mean to you and how important they are in your life!
Help Wisconsin Discover Languages and Discover the World!
Discover Languages is the national campaign to raise public awareness about the importance of language learning and the understanding of cultures.
Contest: Open Now!
Submission Deadline October 2nd, 2026
Contest Focus—Students will design a postcard that depicts the WAFLT Fall Conference Theme: Languages Build Community. The design should incorporate the importance of language learning while highlighting the importance of how language learning can build community both inside and outside of the classroom.
Contest Purpose—Winning entries will be reproduced and made available for use of correspondence between world language educators and any school-home-community communication.
Guidelines
Postcard Size: 4 x 6 inches – a large index card size – used in either a horizontal or vertical format. The surface must be flat with no moving parts or additions.
Design: All designs must be on one side of the postcard. On the opposite side of the design the following information must be typed: (This information can be typed, printed, and affixed as a label)
- Student’s Name
- Grade
- School
- Teacher’s Name
Designs must be original and the work of one student that is hand-made with no trademark, copyrighted, or computer generated material.
Media: May be completed in color or black and white, including (but not limited to) paint, crayon, pastels, charcoal, ink, and pencil materials.
Theme: Contest theme must appear on the front side of the postcard; other words are permitted in any language.
Teachers: Contest open to students of any world language teacher who is a current member of WAFLT.
To assist in the selection process of high-quality postcards the following number of entries will be accepted: Each teacher may select up to ten (10) postcards for each of the contest category levels that they teach (PK-5, 6-8, 9-12, post-secondary). This allows teachers of multiple levels the potential to make more than one submission. Be advised: Not every postcard entry may be included in the final postcard packs that are distributed at the conference!
| Category | Points | What the judges are looking for |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Theme & Message | / 5 pts | Clear Incorporation: The required theme "Languages Build Community" (or official translation) is clearly visible and spelled correctly on the front. Thematic Connection: The artwork clearly depicts the importance of language learning and human connection. |
| 2. Artistic Merit & Design | / 5 pts | Creativity: The design is original, engaging, and visually striking. Composition & Layout: The space is used effectively; text is easy to read, and the artwork is balanced. |
| 3. Functionality & Rules | / 5 pts | Reproducibility: Colors, lines, and details are clean and bold enough to look great when scanned and printed as a 4x6 postcard. Rule Compliance: No computer-generated graphics or copyrighted/trademarked characters are used. Submission includes the required typed details and signed permission release form. |
Permission Release Forms
Each postcard entry MUST be accompanied with the permission release form. Please download this form from the WAFLT website, obtain the necessary signatures and return the form with the submission entry. Entries submitted without release forms will not be considered!
Judging Criteria
Postcard submissions are evaluated by a panel of WAFLT educators on a 15-point scale across three key categories. Teachers are highly encouraged to use this rubric to help students self-assess their designs before submitting!
Prizes
Prizes and certificates will be awarded to a total of 10 students across Wisconsin generally consisting of 3 from the elementary level, 3 from the middle level, and 4 from the high school level. Prizes generally consist of gift cards to Target.
Submission Guidelines
All entries must be POSTMARKED by October 2nd, 2026.
Entries must include all necessary documentation for consideration!
Please submit all entries to:
Devin Pettys
Onalaska High School
700 Hilltopper Dr.
Onalaska, WI 54650
Start to Discover Languages Today!
Past Winners
