Virginia Lottery's 'Thank a Teacher' Art Contest Returns

RICHMOND, Va. (January 27, 2026) – While students across the Commonwealth are cooped up inside because of the winter storm, a great indoor activity is to create artwork that could be displayed on thousands of thank-you cards for hard-working teachers.

The Virginia Lottery is soliciting artwork for its acclaimed Thank a Teacher program. K-12 public school students can use a snow day to submit artwork that will be used on thank you cards. Three winning works of art will be chosen: one created by a Virginia elementary school student, one from a middle school student and one from a high school student. 

Those winners will each receive a $200 gift card and the school will receive $2,000 in art supplies from The Supply Room. 

Don’t wait! The deadline to submit artwork is Monday, February 2, at www.thankateacherva.com

Here is a short video of last year’s winners.

After the winners are selected, students, parents, and anyone will be able to send a beautifully designed digital or hard copy thank-you note to a Virginia K-12 public school teacher during National Teacher Appreciation Week May 4 - 8, 2026. It might be an educator who has particularly inspired a student. It might be that homeroom hero who has gone the extra mile.

All Virginia Lottery profits go to K-12 education in Virginia. In Fiscal Year 2025, the Lottery raised more than $901 million for K-12 education, making up approximately 10 percent of Virginia’s total K-12 school budget. 

For a complete list of Lottery funds distributed to Virginia school districts, visit the Virginia Lottery’s Giving Back page. For general information or to play games online, visit the Virginia Lottery’s website or download the Lottery’s app. Connect with the Lottery on Facebook, X, Instagram, or YouTube. 

With all gaming, please play responsibly. If you think you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help may be just a phone call away: The Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline, 888-532-3500. Call, text or chat 24/7.