Julia Louis-Dreyfus joins judges panel for USA Today's 'Fly Your Flag'

Among the list of funniest women in the history of television, Julia Louis-Dreyfus is near the top.

She has starred in two unforgettable television shows, "Seinfeld" and "Veep," and has received 11 Emmy awards with 26 nominations. In 2017, she broke records for the most Emmys won by a performer and the most consecutive victories for a single role through her performance in "Veep."

Her name is among Carol Burnett, Lucille Ball and Mary Tyler Moore as the luminaries of .women on TV.

Now she's teaming up with USA Today.

Louis-Dreyfus has agreed to become a judge in the USA Today's contests to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. Middle and high school age students from across America will show their creativity in the "Fly Your Flag," "Make Your Speech" and "Sing Your Anthem" contests.

USA Today is partnering with SUNN — a non-partisan organization publishing the nation’s best student journalism and civic media — to launch a bold, national call to middle and high schoolers in grades 5 through 12: Show us your America.

Louis-Dreyfus received the 2021 National Medal of Arts from the White House for her trailblazing influence on women in comedy and American culture. Her accomplishments include Golden Globe, Critics' Choice, and Screen Actors Guild awards.

Outside television, Louis-Dreyfus has recently starred in "You Hurt My Feelings," and the mother-daughter fairytale "Tuesday" alongside Lola Petticrew. She also returned as Valentina in the Marvel film, "Thunderbolts" alongside Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Sebastian Stan.

Louis-Dreyfus hosts the podcast, “Wiser Than Me,” where she talks with iconic older women who share their wisdom that only comes with age.

This summer, she will be among a panel of talented judges in a contest for kids across America.

If you want to deliver a speech like the President of the United States, there's a contest for you. If you want to use bursts of color and design skills to make your own flag, you can. If your talent is belting out a song, go for it. In each of the contests, students are being asked to explore the past, present and future of democracy and be inspired.

'Fly Your Flag' contest open for submissions

The "Fly Your Flag" contest is open for submissions now. The speech and anthem contests will take place later this year.

The judges will not only be looking for talent, but diversity of ideas will play a huge role in the naming of the winners. Perspective, courage, and creativity in young voices that often go unheard will be part of the judging criteria.

The list of judges is impressive. Joining Louis-Dreyfus, the judges will include artist Kadir Nelson, iCivics CEO, Louise Dubé, teacher-influencer Sharon McMahon and Olympian Jasmine Jones.

Sharon McMahon known as “America’s Government Teacher,” McMahon is a former high school educator and bestselling author who now explains complex civic issues to millions through @sharonsaysso and her newsletter The Preamble. She has also raised millions for disaster relief and classrooms nationwide.

Jasmine Jones is a Team USA athlete who won Olympic bronze in two‑woman bobsled in 2026 and serves as a Senior Airman in the U.S. Air Force. She previously competed nationally in track and field at Eastern Michigan University.

Kadir Nelson is an acclaimed artist and author known for his iconic New Yorker covers and works displayed in major institutions including the U.S. House of Representatives and the Smithsonian. He is also a bestselling children’s book creator and a Caldecott and Coretta Scott King Award winner for The Undefeated.

All the judges will operate from the same premise: a thriving democracy depends on participation and the free exchange of ideas.

To enter the "Fly Your Flag" contest:

• Students submit a digital image of an American flag of their own unique design, along with a short description (200-400 words).
• Entrants must be in grades 5-12; a parent/guardian must submit for students aged 12 and younger.
  • 1st place winners will receive $1,000
  • 2nd place winners: $750
  • 3rd place: $500.
  • Check out the rules for submitting.