~Invites Florida students and teachers to participate, win awards of college scholarships, prizes ~
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today invited Florida students in kindergarten through 12th grades to participate in the fifth annual Florida Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest. The Governor also encouraged students, parents, teachers and principals to nominate full-time educators in elementary, middle or high schools for the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award. The contests are the first in a month-long schedule of events planned to commemorate Florida’s Hispanic heritage.
"I am proud of the cultural, economic and social influences that Florida’s Hispanic population has contributed throughout Florida," said Governor Crist. "Without a doubt, the many Hispanic artists, writers, musicians, businesspeople, professionals and politicians have had a positive impact on our state. I invite all Floridians to join in this celebration."
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 college or university of their choice, provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Essays should answer the question: "In what way will you impact the future of the Hispanic community in Florida and why?"
"The essay contest gives students an opportunity to exercise reading and writing skills that form the foundation for every child’s educational success," said Governor Crist. "By learning about Florida’s rich Hispanic heritage, students have the opportunity to appreciate one of the cultures and traditions that help make Florida great."
Guidelines:
About the Excellence in Education Award
Governor Crist’s first annual 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 (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:
About Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide and begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico achieved independence on September 16 and Chile on September 18. Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States since 1974, when President Gerald Ford issued a Presidential Proclamation extending Hispanic Heritage Week into a month-long celebration.
Essay contest winners and award-winning teachers will be notified the week of October 8, 2007. Awards will be presented at the Governor’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in Tallahassee on October 15, 2007.
The Florida Prepaid College Foundation sponsors the Governor’s Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest for K-12 students throughout Florida. The essay contest celebrates Hispanic heritage, family and culture. The Florida Prepaid College Foundation donates a four-year university tuition and local fee scholarship to each of the three winners.
Hispanic Heritage Month Award Nomination Form
Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest Parental Waiver
Florida Hispanic Heritage Website