First Lady Casey Announces Student Art and Educator Contests. She declared the theme for the forthcoming 2022-2023 School Year Art and Essay Contests and Educational Excellence Awards: “Celebrating Hispanic Achievement, Native Americans and African Americans of Florida.”
This year, for the first time, Native American Heritage Month will be included in the competitions, in addition to the recurring Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month competitions.
First Lady Casey Announces Student Art and Educator Contests
The contest coincides with Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15, 2022, Native American Heritage Month in November 2022, and Black History Month, February 2023. The essay contest winners will receive a two-year scholarship from the University of Florida Program provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
First Lady Casey DeSantis announced she is excited to recognize the month of Native American Heritage. “Our state is rich in contributions from the Hispanic, Native American, and Black communities throughout Florida.” She said
Casey DeSantis also added that she is privileged to highlight their achievements and impact on Florida’s history. These contests will help students learn about Florida’s leaders and their contributions to the great state.
Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. said that Florida’s arts and essay competitions showcase talented students and teachers, adding that this year’s theme, which celebrates the achievements of Hispanics, Black Floridians, and Native Americans, will provide a fun challenge for students and an opportunity for outstanding educators to be recognized. He anticipates seeing students tribute to great Floridians with their essays and artworks.
Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Marcellus Osceola Jr., said that the Seminole Tribe plays an integral part in Florida’s history and culture and that they sincerely appreciate being included in this meaningful educational outreach program that reaches students across the state.
He also added that he wanted to thank Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. for continuing commitment to the Seminole Tribe and the native people of Florida.
About the Student Art Contest
The First Lady Casey DeSantis Hispanic Heritage, Native American Heritage, and Black History Month Art competition is open to all students in Kindergarten through third grade in Florida.
Each student will submit an original 2D artwork based on this year’s theme. Four national winners will be selected each month, and each winner will receive a $100 gift card in art supplies and a one-year ticket to Florida State Parks.
About the Student Essay Contest
First Lady Casey DeSantis Hispanic Heritage, Native American Heritage, and Black History Month essay contests are open to all students in fourth through twelfth grades in Florida. Each student submits an essay of no more than 500 words based on that year’s theme. Six winners will be selected:
- Two elementary school students (grades 4-5)
- Two middle school students (grades 6-8)
- Two high school students (grades 9-12)
The Florida Prepaid College Foundation will provide each champion a 2-year Florida College Plan Scholarship and a $100 gift card toward school supplies.
About the Excellence in Education Award
The First Lady Casey DeSantis Hispanic Heritage, Native American Heritage, and Black History Month Excellence in Education Awards competitions are open to all full-time teachers at a Florida elementary, middle, or high school.
Four winners will be chosen, and nominations may be presented by the school principal, teacher, student, or parent/guardian. The Excellence in Education Award winner will be rewarded $2,500 from Volunteer Florida and a set of textbooks.
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