In February 2025, Ryan Minton discovered Spain’s overlooked role in the American Revolution through Bernardo de Gálvez and launched an essay contest across Fairfax County Public Schools. Spain’s Ambassador, Ángeles Moreno Bau, quickly recognized the project and invited Ryan to collaborate directly with her diplomatic team.
By September, the Embassy hosted the Inaugural Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., drawing more than 200 guests from FCPS leadership, the U.S. State Department, and the European Union. Days later, the contest was placed on a national track—and Ryan was named National Director of the Bernardo de Gálvez Essay Contest (in partnership with the Embassy of Spain).