News Summary
The Florida Department of Education, in partnership with Volunteer Florida, is initiating art and essay contests for 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month. The contests aim to celebrate the contributions of Hispanic cultures in Florida and engage students across the state. Students in various grades will participate in themed contests, with opportunities to win scholarships, gift cards, and other rewards, while teachers can be nominated for excellence in education awards.
Tallahassee, Florida – The Florida Department of Education, in collaboration with Volunteer Florida, is launching student art and essay contests for the upcoming 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month, promoting the theme “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage.” This initiative aims to honor and educate the public about the important contributions of Hispanic cultures to the state.
Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized annually in the U.S. from September 15 to October 15, serving as a time to acknowledge the diverse histories and cultures of Hispanic and Latino Americans. Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas has highlighted the significant impact of Spanish influence on Florida’s development and heritage, underscoring the importance of these contests.
The art contest is specifically open to students in grades Kindergarten through third grade who are currently enrolled in schools across Florida. Participants are required to submit original, two-dimensional artwork that reflects the theme. Four statewide winners will be chosen from entries and each will receive rewards that include a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks.
In addition to the art contest, there is also an essay contest open to students in grades 4-12 attending any Florida school. The essay topic challenges contestants to write about a Hispanic Floridian who has made a significant impact in their community. The contest divides entries into different age categories: two winners will be selected from elementary school (grades 4-5), two from middle school (grades 6-8), and two from high school (grades 9-12).
Each essay winner will be awarded a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation along with a $100 gift card for school supplies. Students competing in the essay contest must be residents of Florida, currently attending a Florida school, and able to provide a Social Security Number. Essays must be written in English, and participants are allowed to submit only one essay each, with a maximum word count of 500.
Educators are also encouraged to participate by nominating full-time teachers for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award. Four teachers will be recognized and awarded $2,500 from Volunteer Florida for their exceptional contributions to the education and empowerment of their students.
All entries for both contests must be submitted or postmarked by 5 p.m. (ET) on September 24, 2025. The submissions can be mailed to Volunteer Florida or entered online at the official contest website, www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
This initiative serves as a valuable platform for Florida students to engage with their heritage and to explore the influential roles that Hispanic individuals have played in shaping their communities. By participating, students not only enhance their creativity and writing skills but also gain a deeper understanding of Florida’s rich history and cultural diversity.
Through these contests, Florida aims to foster a greater appreciation of Hispanic contributions while inspiring the next generation to actively participate in their communities. This year’s celebrations are set to be an uplifting tribute to the lasting impact of Hispanic heritage in the Sunshine State.
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Additional Resources
- Alachua Chronicle: Florida Students Invited to Participate in 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests
- Wikipedia: Hispanic Heritage Month
- Tallahassee Democrat: Latino Heritage Evolves
- Google Search: Hispanic Heritage Month
- The Famuan: Hispanic Festival Takes Center Stage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hispanic Heritage Month
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The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
