Governor and First Lady DeSantis honor winners of Black History Month contests
Tallahassee, Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis recently celebrated the winners of the annual Black History Month student art and essay contests, as well as educators who demonstrated excellence in fostering awareness and education about African American contributions to Florida’s history. The theme for this year’s contest was “Honoring African American Contributions to Florida’s Success,” a fitting tribute to the remarkable achievements of African Americans in shaping the state.
This event marks another year of collaboration between the Florida Department of Education, Volunteer Florida, the Florida Lottery, and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation to highlight the significance of African American heritage. Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of educating students about American history, particularly the contributions made by African American leaders that have been pivotal in Florida’s growth and success.
“It is important that our students learn about American history and the contributions that African American leaders have made to the success of our state,” said Governor DeSantis. “I am proud of these students who went above and beyond to apply what they have learned to these contests.”
Read also: New coffee and health eatery to open in Coconut Creek this summer
First Lady Casey DeSantis echoed her husband’s sentiments, adding that it is vital for students to appreciate the rich history and culture of African Americans. The contests, which were open to students from kindergarten through high school, provided them with an opportunity to explore African American history and to express their creativity through both art and essays.
The Black History Month student art contest invited young artists from kindergarten to third grade to submit original pieces inspired by the theme. With over a hundred submissions, the four winners were selected based on their creativity, skill, and connection to the theme. Each winner received a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida state parks. The art contest winners were:
• Joshua Gonzalez
• Aria Santiago
• Aminah Smith
• Lauren Mayer
In addition to the art contest, the student essay contest provided an opportunity for older students, from fourth to twelfth grade, to dive deeper into the subject. The essay contest asked students to write about the importance of African American contributions to Florida’s success. Six winners were chosen across three grade categories—elementary (grades 4-5), middle school (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9-12). As part of their prizes, the winners received a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship, generously provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, and a $100 gift card for school supplies. The essay contest winners included:
• Kei’Ani McQuown (Grade 5)
• Vanessa Viera (Grade 5)
• Gabriel Brown (Grade 8)
• Evangeline Baldwin (Grade 7)
• Manuel Perez (Grade 11)
• Aaron Gordon (Grade 11)
The event also recognized four exceptional educators with the Excellence in Education Award. These teachers were nominated by their peers, students, and the community for their commitment to educating young minds and fostering an environment of learning about African American history and culture. Each awardee received a $2,500 monetary recognition from Volunteer Florida. The Excellence in Education Award winners were:
• Ashley Kidd, Okeechobee High School
• Nicole Cross, Veterans Park Academy for the Arts
• Rosalyn Jackson, Edison Park K-8 Center
• Andrea Miles-Vranish, Yulee Middle School
“It has been inspiring to see the creativity and dedication of both our students and educators in this year’s contest,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Their submissions were a powerful reminder of the importance of knowledge and learning, and how the contributions of African Americans have shaped our state’s history and future.”
Volunteer Florida’s CEO Josie Tamayo also commended the winners, recognizing their creativity and passion. She highlighted that these students’ efforts reflect the rich history of African Americans in Florida and beyond, adding that their work would continue to impact communities across the state.
Read also: Overtown Business Association named Florida Main Street Program of the Month
The Black History Month contests are an important tradition in Florida, providing students with a platform to learn about and celebrate African American history. Governor DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and the many organizations involved in the initiative have all shown a continued commitment to fostering education, creativity, and awareness among Florida’s youth.
Through these contests, students not only gain a deeper understanding of history but also have the opportunity to demonstrate their creativity, passion, and commitment to making a positive difference in their communities. As the winners of this year’s contests continue their educational journeys, their achievements will undoubtedly serve as inspiration for future generations.
