Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Invite K-12 Students to Participate in 2015 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests
August 7, 2015
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Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Invite K-12 Students to Participate in 2015 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott invited Florida K-12 students to participate in the 2015 Hispanic Heritage Month essay and art contests. Parents, students, teachers and principals are also encouraged to nominate outstanding Hispanic educators for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.
Governor Scott said, “I’m honored to join Floridians in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Florida’s history has been written, in part, by the contributions of strong Hispanic leaders and events that have helped shape Florida. I encourage all students to participate in the contests and celebrate the abundant contributions of the Hispanic community in our state.”
First Lady Ann Scott said, “Hispanic Heritage Month is an exciting opportunity to focus on the Hispanic people and culture we value so much here in Florida. I’m honored to highlight the work of the enormously gifted Lebo, our 2015 Hispanic Heritage featured artist. I look forward to seeing the artwork and essays submitted by Florida’s talented students.”
The theme for this year’s essay and art contests is “Recognizing the Past, Honoring the Present, and Celebrating the Future.” Students are asked to research and share about a Hispanic person or event significant to Florida’s past, present and/or future. More information about the contests and Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month is available at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
David “Lebo” LeBatard is this year’s Hispanic Heritage featured artist. Lebo is a Cuban-American graphic and fine artist based in Miami and is best known for murals, live painting and sculpture. He has been described as one of South Florida’s “most recognizable artists,” and is renowned in the art world for his wide range of media, projects and locations.
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 and received by September 15, 2015.
Volunteer Florida
3800 Esplanade Way
Suite 180
Tallahassee, FL 32311