Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Announce 2018 Black History Month Student and Teacher Contest Winners

March 23, 2018

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Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott announced the 2018 Black History Month student contest winners and Excellence in Education award recipients. This year’s theme was “A Celebration of Innovative African-American Leaders” and the winners were honored last night during the annual Black History Month awards ceremony at the Florida Governor’s Mansion. Black History Month is celebrated every year in Florida during the month of February. 

Governor Scott said, “My wife, Ann, and I are honored to celebrate the 2018 Black History Month student and educator contest winners. It’s great to recognize the hard work of these Florida students and educators and celebrate the contributions and achievements of African-Americans throughout our history.”

First Lady Ann Scott said, “It’s an honor to recognize this year’s Black History Month contest winners and thank all of the outstanding students who participated across the state. It is wonderful to see students taking advantage of this opportunity to earn a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship while learning about Florida’s innovative African-American leaders.”

Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Vivian Myrtetus said, “It was a pleasure joining the Governor and First Lady tonight to recognize and celebrate the outstanding work of Florida students and teachers. We are so thankful to all our sponsors who made this important event possible—especially the Florida Prepaid College Foundation which provided three, four-year college scholarships to our essay contest winners.” 

Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “It is an honor to join Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott in celebrating Black History Month. I applaud these students and educators for the exceptional way in which they recognized the countless African-Americans who have and continue to contribute greatly to our state and nation.”

The 2018 Florida Black History Month theme was “A Celebration of Innovative African American Leaders.”

Award recipients are as follows:

Governor Scott and First Lady Ann Scott honored three outstanding educators with the Excellence in Education Award. These individuals were nominated by students and peers.

Excellence in Education Award winners:

• Hubert Emile, Wicklow Elementary School in Seminole County.
• Billy White, Cornerstone Charter Academy in Orange County.
• Khalifa Stanford, I-Tech Thomas Edison Educational Center in Miami-Dade County.

The following student essay contest winners – one elementary, one middle, and one high school student – earned a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. 

Essay winners:

• Maiya Bowers, 5th Grade, Florida Virtual Schools in Walton County.
• Bianca Casher, 8th Grade, Miami Lakes Middle School in Miami-Dade County.
• Raphael Brosula, 11th Grade, Strawberry Crest High School in Hillsborough County.

Student art contest winners:

• Kana Reynolds, 1st Grade, Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School in Broward County, for artwork entitled “Mary McLeod Bethune Opens Doors for Learning.”
• Raheed Garner, 2nd Grade, JD Parker Elementary in Martin County for artwork entitled “Martin’s Big Words.”
• Honorable mentions:
  • Julian Bowie, 1st Grade, Central Riverside Elementary School in Duval County, for artwork entitled “A Celebration of Innovative African American Leaders.”
  • Kevin Guo, 3rd Grade, Equestrian Trails Elementary School in Broward County, for artwork entitled “Peace on Earth.”

Volunteer Florida also recognized Champion of Service award winner Jordan Griffin, a Tallahassee Community College student who currently serves as president of the Black Male Achievers Program at TCC.

The Black History Month reception and awards are supported by Volunteer Florida, Florida Prepaid College Foundation, and more.

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