In honor of National First Responder’s Day on October 28, NCT9-1-1 is inviting K-12 students in North Texas counties to help recognize and celebrate the life-saving work of 9-1-1 telecommunicators and first responders.

The winner of the 2026 art contest will have their artwork transformed into a public-facing mural in North Texas. The top five students in the younger age group will also receive a pizza party for their class! Now in its third year, the NCT9-1-1 Mural Project celebrates student creativity while honoring the 9-1-1 heroes who serve our communities. To see previous winners and their murals, visit [nct911.org/the-mural-project].

Submissions are open from October 1 to October 20. Public voting will take place on October 23-27, with the winner announced on the 28th.

Eligibility: Open to students (grades K–12) residing in the North Central Texas region*
Theme: Honoring Our 9-1-1 Heroes
Requirements: All artwork must include a 9-1-1 telecommunicator or a clear symbol representing one, such as a headset, phone, computer screen, or a 9-1-1 call center. Students are strongly encouraged to include more than one first responder, including: Police Officers, Firefighters, and EMS personnel.
Art Mediums: Any 2D medium—drawing, painting, or non-AI digital art
File Formats: JPEG or PNG**
Submission Type: Individual students, groups, or classrooms may enter
Deadline: Submit by October 20, 2026

*Eligible counties: Collin, Dallas (Balch Springs, Cockrell Hill, Sachse, Seagoville, Wilmer), Erath, Ellis, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Somervell, Wise

**iPhone users: Please make sure the Live Photo feature is turned off when taking or uploading your artwork. Live Photos may not upload correctly as a still image.

Please upload your artwork below. If you have multiple submissions, such as artwork submitted on behalf of a classroom, please select all of your files. Once your files have been uploaded, please complete the questions below and click “Send” to submit your entry. Thank you, and good luck!