Celebrate Hispanic Heritage: Florida’s Student Contests

Tallahassee, Florida- The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida have come together to invite students across the state to take part in the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month contests. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heroes and their Contributions to Freedom,” aims to honor the impact of Hispanic cultures on the United States. Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15.

Josie Tamayo, CEO of Volunteer Florida, shared, “Hispanic Heritage Month holds personal significance to me as a Cuban-American. It’s not only a time for celebration, but also an opportunity to educate our future generations about the importance of community and service.”

Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate in academic and creative contests centered around the theme. Art contests are open to students in grades K-3, while essay contests are open to students in grades 4-12. In addition, nominations are being accepted for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award, where educators can be recognized for their outstanding contributions.

Student Art Contest

The Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest welcomes submissions from Kindergarten through third-grade students. Entrants will create original, two-dimensional artwork based on the theme. Statewide winners will receive a $100 gift card for school supplies and a 1-year pass to Florida State Parks.

Tallahassee, Florida- The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida have come together to invite students across the state to take part in the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month contests. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heroes and their Contributions to Freedom,” aims to honor the impact of Hispanic cultures on the United States. Hispanic Heritage Month is observed from September 15 to October 15.

Josie Tamayo, CEO of Volunteer Florida, shared, “Hispanic Heritage Month holds personal significance to me as a Cuban-American. It’s not only a time for celebration, but also an opportunity to educate our future generations about the importance of community and service.”

Students of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate in academic and creative contests centered around the theme. Art contests are open to students in grades K-3, while essay contests are open to students in grades 4-12. In addition, nominations are being accepted for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award, where educators can be recognized for their outstanding contributions.

Excellence in Education Award

The Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest acknowledges the hard work of full-time educators in elementary, middle, or high schools across Florida. Nominations can be submitted by principals, teachers, parents/guardians, or students. Four winners will be chosen, with each receiving $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.

Contest entries and nominations can be submitted via mail or online through the official website, www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com. All submissions must be received by 5 p.m. (ET) on Monday, September 18, 2023.

For additional details about the contests and participation guidelines, please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.