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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 20, 2014
CONTACT: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE (850) 717-9282
media@eog.myflorida.com

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today announced the 2014 Hispanic Heritage Month contests and invite students in kindergarten through 12th grades to participate in the art and essay contests. Students, parents, teachers and principals have also been invited to nominate full-time Hispanic educators in elementary, middle or high schools for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.

Governor Scott said, “Florida’s Hispanic community continues to contribute to our economic, cultural, and family values, and the 2014 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests will help students appreciate these contributions and encourage our young people to live their version of the American Dream. Last year we celebrated 500 years of history and cultural diversity throughout Florida, and the upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month adds to this celebration by recognizing the accomplishments Florida’s Hispanic community have made throughout history.”

First Lady Scott said, “Manena’s paintings focus on the beauty of the natural world around us. Her creations will serve as the perfect centerpiece as we honor the strong and vibrant Hispanic culture that has contributed so much to our state. I urge all Florida students to learn more about Florida’s rich Hispanic history and participate in these fun and educational contests.”

The student contests focus on the theme “Hispanic Culture: Living the American Dream in Florida.” Students are asked to respond to how they are influenced and inspired by important Hispanic Floridians to live their version of the American Dream. Information about the contests and Florida’s Hispanic Heritage is available on Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month website, www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

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For a video of Governor Scott and First Lady Scott, click here.

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. Please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com to download complete guidelines and entry forms.

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. Please visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com to download complete guidelines and entry forms.

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 teacher (grades K-5), one middle school teacher (grades 6-8), and one high school teacher (grades 9-12).

Forms can be found at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.

Contest Entries and Nominations

**Student contest entries and educator nomination forms must be mailed to:
Volunteer Florida
Attention: Hispanic Heritage Month Committee
3800 Esplanade Way
Suite 180
Tallahasee, Florida 32311

All entries must be received by Volunteer Florida no later than 5:00 p.m., EDT, September 12, 2014. (Contestants are responsible for all shipping costs).

About Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States has been celebrated since 1988, when President Ronald Reagan issued a Presidential Proclamation extending Hispanic Heritage Week into a month-long observation. This annual month-long celebration that begins on September 15 recognizes the contributions, traditions and culture of Hispanics and Latino Americans to the United States of America. Several Latin American countries celebrate the anniversaries of their independence during Hispanic Heritage Month.Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua celebrate their Independence on September 15. Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

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

 

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