Gov. Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Invite K-12 Students to Participate in 2018 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott announced the 2018 Hispanic Heritage Month contests for students and educators and invited Florida K-12 students to participate in the essay and art contests. Parents, students, teachers and principals are also invited to nominate full-time, outstanding educators for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.

Governor Scott said, “I encourage all Florida students to take advantage of the summer break to learn about the many influential Hispanic-Americans who have helped shape the Sunshine State. This year, students will be competing for a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship, which will help them live their dreams in Florida.”

First Lady Ann Scott said, “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is an exciting opportunity to focus on Hispanic-Americans and the role they played in shaping today’s Florida. When I visit schools to share my passion for reading and literacy, the students are always so enthusiastic about learning. I hope Florida students use this opportunity to explore Florida’s rich Hispanic culture. I am also honored to highlight the work of the immensely gifted Juan “One” Sepúlveda, our 2018 Hispanic Heritage Month featured artist.”

The theme for this year’s essay and art contests is “A Celebration of Innovative Hispanic-American Leaders.” Students are asked to share how Hispanic Floridians have impacted our state’s history and culture. More information about the contests and Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month is available at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.  

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month featured artist is Juan “One” Sepúlveda.

About the Student Contests

Art Contest for Grades K-3: The Hispanic Heritage Month art contest is open to all Florida students in grades K-3, and two winners will be selected.

Essay Contest for Grades 4-12: The Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest is open to all Florida students in grades 4 through 12. Three winners will be selected: one elementary student (grades 4-5), one middle-school student (grades 6-8), and one high school student (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

About the Excellence in Education Award

Governor Scott’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month 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 school (grades K-5) teacher, one middle school (grades 6-8) teacher and one high school (grades 9-12) teacher.

All entry forms and guidelines for the contests, as well as additional information about Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month and other related events, can be found at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

Contest Entries and Nominations

Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.  Please mail your forms to:

Volunteer Florida

3800 Esplanade Way

Suite 180

Tallahassee, FL 32311

All entries must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online and received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 15, 2018.

For additional information about Florida’s Hispanic Heritage, contests and other related events, please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

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