News Release

Governor Crist Announces Black History Month Contests

~Invites Florida students and teachers to participate, win awards of college scholarships, prizes ~

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2008

CONTACT: GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced Florida’s Black History Month "Pioneering the Future" Web site and invited students in kindergarten through 12th grades to participate in the Florida Black History Month essay contest. The Governor also encouraged students, parents, teachers and principals to nominate full-time African-American educators in elementary, middle or high schools for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award.

"Black History Month offers a tremendous opportunity for all Floridians to learn more about the brave and determined individuals who overcame injustice and obstacles to achieve remarkable feats," Governor Crist said. "These men and women stood firm to right the wrongs they endured and established new paths to freedom and opportunity for future generations."

About the Essay Contest

The essay contest is open to all Florida students in kindergarten through 12th grades. One winner will be selected from each of the three grade-level categories, elementary (grades K-5), middle (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a computer and a full four-year tuition scholarship to a Florida public college or university of their choice, provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Essays should answer the question: "How have the contributions of African-American scientists or inventors impacted your life?"

Guidelines

• Each student may enter only one essay, no longer than 500 words and typed or handwritten in print, rather than cursive writing.
• Essays must include the student's name, home address, telephone number, school the student attends, grade level and essay title.
• Essay must be accompanied by a parental waiver form, which can be found at www.floridablackhistory.com .
• Entries must be e-mailed to essay@myflorida.com or mailed to the Executive Office of the Governor, Attention: Black History Month Essay Contest, 400 S. Monroe Street, Suite LL-10, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.
• Entries must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. EST, Friday, February 8, 2008.

About the Excellence in Education Award

Governor Crist’s annual Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all African-American, full time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary (K-5) teacher, one middle school (6-8) teacher and one high school (9-12) teacher. Winners will receive a check for $1,500 and a $500 gift card for classroom supplies. Guidelines

• Nomination forms must be emailed to nominations@myflorida.com or mailed to Executive Office of the Governor: Excellence in Education Award Committee, 400 S. Monroe Street, Suite LL-10, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, by 5:00 p.m. EST, Friday, February 8, 2008. Forms can be found at www.floridablackhistory.com. Essays must include the student's name, home address, telephone number, school the student attends, grade level and essay title.
• Nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent or student.

About Black History Month

Black History Month celebrates Florida’s African-Americans who have made significant contributions to the development of our state. Beginning with the establishment of St. Augustine, the earliest European settlement in Florida, African-Americans have frequently had to overcome great adversity, yet have held key roles in Florida’s cultural, economic and academic growth.

Essay contest winners and award-winning teachers will be notified by February 18, 2008. Awards will be presented at the Governor’s annual Black History Month celebration in Tallahassee on February 20, 2008.

Additional information about Florida’s black history, contests and other related events, please visit www.floridablackhistory.com.