First Lady Casey DeSantis recently announced that the theme for this year’s Black History Month contests will be “Celebrating African-American Contributions to Florida’s History” and released information regarding the student art and essay contests, as well as the Excellence in Education awards.
Black History Month is celebrated each year in the month of February.
“Black History Month is an opportunity for students to learn about the contributions African-Americans have made throughout Florida’s history,” said DeSantis. “Over the next month, we will be honoring these contributions and their benefits to Florida’s communities. I encourage all Florida students to join us by participating in this month’s art and essay contests.”
Students in kindergarten through grade three can participate in an art contest, and students in grades four through 12 can participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award.
About the Art Contest
Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Two winners will be selected.
About the Essay Contest
Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school student (grades four and five), one middle school student (grades six through eight) and one high school student. Each winner will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
About the Excellence in Education Award
The Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school teacher (grades K-5), one middle school teacher (grades six through eight) and one high school teacher. Nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian or student.
Contest and nominating forms
Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at FloridaBlackHistory.com.
The mailing address is: Volunteer Florida, Black History Month Committee, 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250, Tallahassee, Florida 32308.
All entries must be received by 5 p.m. Feb. 18.
If mailing, consider the time necessary to ensure the submission is received by Volunteer Florida’s office no later than the aforementioned deadline.
For more information about the contests, go to FloridaBlackHistory.com.
