HEREFORD, Ariz., May 21, 2026 – A unique storytelling contest with no age limits or entry fees is being held with the first-place story winning $250 for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence! Only Cochise County residents are eligible to participate. Contestants must register at CochiseStrong.org – where all the contest details can be found – and submit their story by 11:59 p.m. on May 31.

Across America celebrations have already begun commemorating the 1776 signing of the Declaration of Independence. Cochise County residents have a new online community hub – CochiseStrong.org – holding a fun and focused contest to elevate the celebration here.

The second- and third-place winners collect $150 and $50 respectively – all given away at an awards celebration in June. This is essentially a writing contest, but according to Cochise Strong, it allows storytelling in all its forms.

“How would you explain the motivation behind the Declaration of Independence to a sixth grader?” challenges Chris Stevens, founder and director of Cochise Strong. “You might want to use pictures, audio, video or a song; or you might tell the story of one or more of the signers; or maybe you’d focus on the text of the document.”

Cochise Strong will publish the winning stories and strong contestants leading up to July 4. They hold monthly writing contests called ‘Stories That Make Us Strong‘, to motivate and inspire us to reach for our potential – all available free to the public. They also have a contest to see who can get the most people involved, with recognition and rewards for all results.

Chris says, “As we commemorate such an important occasion for our country, let’s renew our dedication to timeless principles embedded in our history and reunite around our common ideals. Let’s celebrate the things that make us strong!”

The whole county is being invited to participate by entering the contest, reading the stories and encouraging others.

Cochise Strong provides free community-generated content by and for Cochise County residents. It is developing forums, contests, clubs, and courses all focused on strengthening our community, economy and liberty.