Hispanic Month Essay and Excellence in Education Contests
Florida students in kindergarten through 12th grades are invited to participate in the 5th annual Florida Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest.
Students, parents, teachers and principals are also encouraged to nominate full-time educators in elementary, middle or high schools for the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.
The contests are the first in a month-long schedule of events planned to commemorate Florida’s Hispanic heritage.
“I am proud of the cultural, economic and social influences that Florida’s Hispanic population has contributed throughout Florida,” said Gov. Charlie Crist in recent news release. “Without a doubt, the many Hispanic artists, writers, musicians, businesspeople, professionals and politicians have had a positive impact on our state. I invite all Floridians to join in this celebration.”
About the Essay Contest
- Open to all Florida students in kindergarten through 12th grades
- One winner will be selected from each of the three grade-level categories, elementary (grades K-5), middle (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12)
- Winners will receive a computer and a full four-year tuition scholarship to a Florida college or university of their choice, provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
- Essays should answer the question: “In what way will you impact the future of the Hispanic community in Florida and why?”
Guidelines
- Entries must be e-mailed to essay@myflorida.com or mailed to:
Executive Office of the Governor
Attention: Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest
400 S. Monroe Street, Suite 705
Tallahassee, FL 32399
- Entries must be received no later than 5 p.m. EDT, Sept. 28.
- Each student may enter only one essay, no longer than 500 words and typed or handwritten in print, rather than cursive writing.
- Essays must include the student’s name, home address, telephone number, school the student attends, grade level and essay title.
- Essay must be accompanied by a parental waiver form, which can be found at www.floridahispanicheritage.com.
About the Excellence in Education Award
- Contest is open to all Hispanic, full time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida.
- Three winners will be selected: one elementary (K-5) teacher, one middle school (6-8) teacher and one high school (9-12) teacher.
- Winners will receive a check for $1,500 and a $500 gift card for classroom supplies.
Guidelines
- Nomination forms must be emailed to nominations@myflorida.com or mailed to:
Executive Office of the Governor
Excellence in Education Award Committee
400 S. Monroe Street, Suite 705
Tallahassee, FL 32399
- Nominations must be received no later than 5 p.m. EDT, Friday, Sept. 28.
- Forms can be found at www.floridahispanicheritage.com.
- Nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent or student.
Essay contest winners and award-winning teachers will be notified the week of Oct. 8. Awards will be presented at the Governor’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in Tallahassee on Oct. 15.
Additional information about Florida’s Hispanic heritage, contests and other related events will be available on the Web site www.floridahispanicheritage.com, which will be launched next week to coincide with the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month.