America’s 250th Anniversary
A Semiquincentennial Celebration: DSC Honors America at 250
In 2026, the United States marks its 250th Anniversary, and Daytona State College is proud to lead the celebration in Volusia and Flagler
counties. This historic milestone—the Semiquincentennial—is more than just a birthday; it is a moment for our Falcon family to reflect on
our shared history, celebrate our progress, and look forward to a bright future. Join
us as we honor our nation’s founding and the ideals that shape our democracy throughout
2026!
250th Anniversary Events at Daytona State
Inaugural Sunshine State Debate
February 15-17, 2026
Tallahassee, FL
The First Annual Sunshine State Debate will unite students from the Florida College
System for a Reagan-style debate inspired by previous presidential debates. Our Falcons
will not only participate in the debate, but also engage in tours of our state Capitol,
meet with State leaders and be recognized during Florida’s 2026 legislation session.
Statewide Welding Challenge
Spring 2026
Daytona State College's Welding Program is participating in the statewide competition
to create welding and fabrication art inspired by America’s 250th anniversary. This
contest, sponsored by the Florida Department of Education, will highlight student
creativity with sculptures, plaques or other metalwork displays. Winners will be selected
by the Florida Commissioner of Education and announced in advance of July 4, 2026.
Stay tuned for more details!
America's 250th Anniversary Facts
1776 marks the historic birth of the United States as a sovereign nation. By adopting the Declaration of Independence that year, the Continental Congress launched a 250-year legacy of democracy and self-governance.
56 courageous delegates risked everything to sign the Declaration of Independence. These individuals, from various walks of life, committed a bold act of treason to birth the nation we celebrate two and a half centuries later.
13 original colonies put aside their regional differences to form a single, united Union. This foundational group of settlements grew from the thirteen stars on the first flag to the fifty stars we honor on this 250th anniversary.
2.5 million people lived in the colonies when independence was first declared. Since our founding, the American population has grown over 130 times larger, now totaling more than 342 million diverse citizens.