First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces Student and Educator Competitions for 2022–2023
In addition to the recurrent Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month, Native American Heritage Month will now be included in student essay and art competitions for the first time.
FLORIDA’S TALLAHASSEE —
Celebrating the Achievements of Hispanic, Native American, and Black Floridians is the topic for the next 2022–2023 school year student art and essay competitions and the Excellence in Education awards, according to First Lady Casey DeSantis. In addition to the ongoing competitions for Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month, Native American Heritage Month will be featured in the contests for the first time this year.
Recognizing Native American Heritage Month makes me happy. The Hispanic, Native American, and Black populations in Florida have made significant contributions to our state, according to First Lady Casey DeSantis. “We are proud to acknowledge their accomplishments and historical significance for Florida. Students will gain knowledge about Florida’s leaders and their contributions to our wonderful state via these competitions.
Florida’s brilliant children and instructors are on display in the essay and art competitions, according to Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. “Celebrating the Achievements of Hispanic, Native American, and Black Floridians will present a fun challenge for our children and a chance for exceptional instructors to be acknowledged, according to the theme for this year. I’m excited to see the unique ways that kids honor notable Floridians in their writing and art.
According to Marcellus Osceola Jr., Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, “The Seminole Tribe plays a significant role in Florida’s history and culture, and we really appreciate being included in this essential educational outreach initiative that reaches kids throughout our state.” We would like to express our gratitude to Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. for their unwavering support of the Seminole Tribe and Florida’s indigenous population.
The competitions will take place during Black History Month in February 2023, Native American Heritage Month in November 2022, and Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, 2022. The Florida Prepaid College Foundation will provide 2-Year Florida College Plan scholarships to the essay contest winners.
Regarding the Student Art Competition
All Florida kids in Kindergarten through third grade are eligible to enter the Hispanic Heritage, Native American Heritage, and Black History Month Art Contests sponsored by First Lady Casey DeSantis. Each student will turn in their own unique, two-dimensional creations based on the subject for this year. Each month, four statewide winners will be chosen, and they will each get a $100 gift card for art materials as well as a one-year ticket to all Florida state parks.
the student essay competition
All fourth through twelfth school students in Florida are eligible to enter the Hispanic Heritage, Native American Heritage, and Black History Month Essay Contests sponsored by First Lady Casey DeSantis. Each student will submit one essay with a maximum word count of 500 on the subject for this year. Two elementary school students (grades 4-5), two middle school students (grades 6-8), and two high school students (grades 9-12) will each receive a prize (grades 9–12). Each winner will also get a $100 gift card for school supplies in addition to a 2-Year Florida College Plan scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
With regards to the Excellence in Education Award
All full-time instructors working in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida are eligible to enter the Hispanic Heritage, Native American Heritage, and Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contests sponsored by First Lady Casey DeSantis. Nominations may be made by a principle, teacher, parent/guardian, or student, and there will be four winners chosen. The recipients of Volunteer Florida’s Excellence in Education awards will also receive a set of school books in addition to $2,500.
Forms and Instructions for Contest Entries and Nominations
Additional information regarding contest timelines, entries, nominating forms and guidelines will be available online here.