The finalists are in!Nearly 850 students across the country participated in USA TODAY's “Fly Your Flag” civics contest, submitting flag designs that sought to capture not just what America means to them, but a flag that also represents the values and ideals of the country they want to live in. The contest, which launched in April ahead of the 250th anniversary of the United States, was done in partnership with SUNN — a non-partisan organization publishing student journalism.With three different categories, judges from across the USA TODAY Network ranked each submission to narrow the field to just 30 finalists. Those picks then went to a special panel of judges: actress and comedian Julia Louis-Dreyfus; artist Kadir Nelson; teacher-influencer Sharon McMahon; Olympian Jasmine Jones.Contest organizers added a special category for AI-assisted artwork in high school submissions.First place winners will receive $1,000, followed by $750 for second place winners and $500 for third place. Vanderbilt University donated the prize money.Winners will be announced Wednesday, July 1.Here are the finalists.Finalists in the 5th-8th grade competitionVictoria K., a sixth grader at Saint Jeanne de Lestonnac School in CaliforniaJulieth B., a fifth grader at The Conroe Virtual School in TexasAnjali B., a fifth grader at James H. Vernon Elementary School in New YorkIvanka L., an eighth grader at the Joseph B. Cavallaro IS. 281 school in New YorkMing-Yu C., a seventh grader at Saline Middle School in MichiganElisabeth Y., an eighth grader at Islander Middle School in WashingtonIndira J., a sixth grader at University School of Nashville in TennesseeNoa D., a seventh grader at Scheck Hillel Community School in FloridaDillan D., an eighth grader at Saline Middle School in MichiganVivien W., an eighth grader at the Joseph B. Cavallaro IS. 281 school in New YorkSolange M., an eighth grader at the iMater Charter in FloridaFinalists in the high school competitionSoeun K., a senior at Troy High School in MichiganMahasri N., a junior at Troy High School in MichiganJoseph J., a junior at University School of Nashville in TennesseeLillyan W., a senior at Sandy High School in OregonIndia B., a junior at University School of Nashville in TennesseeBernadinio S., a senior at Charette High School in Rhode IslandFrida J., a freshman Dwight High School in New YorkAneli C., a freshman at Desert Edge High School in ArizonaAva D., a sophomore at Mallard Creek Highschool in North CarolinaAbigail T., a junior at Woodland High School in WashingtonKellen V., a junior at Zeeland West High School in MichiganLauren G., a sophomore at the Menlo School in CaliforniaFinalists in the high school AI competitionYeonjoon H., a senior at Troy High School in MichiganAsym K., a junior at Troy High School in MichiganHenry W., a junior at Troy High School in MichiganAnmol K., a junior at Troy High School in MichiganHaaris S., a junior at Troy High School in MichiganVarun S., a senior at Troy High School in MichiganJayden S., a junior at Troy High School in MichiganKrista Johnson covers education and children for The Courier Journal. Have story ideas or questions? Contact her at kjohnson3@gannett.com and subscribe to her newsletter.