Artwork by Jean L., California, 1st Place National Winner
2020 National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest
The National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest is administered annually by the Department of Justice, with an award ceremony held each year on or around May 25th to commemorate National Missing Children’s Day. The National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest submission and voting for the State of Texas is administered by Texas Center for the Missing.
The contest is open to all 5th graders across the state of Texas, with State level judging occurring in mid-Spring. The Texas 1st Place Winner will receive a Certificate of Achievement AND a $50 Gift Card, and will have their poster submitted to the National level for judging. The single national winner, his/her parents, and a teacher will be flown to Washington, D.C., for the awards ceremony in May each year.
Important Contest Dates for the
2025 National Missing Children’s Day
Poster Contest:
December 2024 – Contest Kick-Off
February 26, 2025 – Texas Submissions Due! Mail to:
Texas Center for the Missing
2500 Bolsover Street, Houston, TX 77005
February 27, 2025 – Texas Poster Winner Notified
April 2025 – National Poster Winner Notified
Download Important Contest Documents:
Poster Contest Fact Sheet for Texas Participants
To see prior winners’ artwork at the National Level, visit here!
For additional information or questions, contact us at support@tcftm.org or 713.986.3542.
Use the Poster Contest Activity Guide Year Round
Educators are encouraged to incorporate the Poster Contest Activity Guide into their safety curriculum in January in honor of Amber Alert Awareness Day on January 13th each year. The Poster Contest Activity Guide can be used year round, and is suitable for educators, community organizations, or religious groups to get children talking about their own safety.
Download the Poster Contest Discussion Guide now!
Texas State Winners for the National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest

2021 1st Place Poster
Claire Ki

2020 1st Place Poster
Enielys Garcia

2019 1st Place Poster
Ella Wang

2018 1st Place Poster
Perri Newton

2017 1st Place Poster
Xavier Gonzalez

2016 1st Place Poster
Fantasia Martinez

2015 1st Place Poster
Alexis Alvarado

2014 1st Place Poster
Anna Eligio

2013 1st Place Poster
Kylie Stanely

2012 1st Place Poster
Ashley Kim

2011 1st Place Poster
Stephany Villagomez-Tamayo

2010 1st Place Poster
Lillian Hollins