Black History Month 2009

Pioneers + Present Role Models = A Bright Future

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Governor Charlie Crist's Black History Month Essay Contest

Official Rules and Guidelines

Grades 4 - 12

Governor Charlie Crist's Black History Month Essay Contest is open to all grade 4-12 students in the state of Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary (4-5) student, one middle (6-8) student and one high school (9-12) student. Winners will be notified by February 12, 2009..

• Entries must be mailed to Executive Office of the Governor: Black History Month Committee, 400 S. Monroe Street, Suite LL10, Tallahassee, Florida 32399, and postmarked by Friday, February 6, 2009.
• Essays should address the following topic: "The recent election of our nation's first black president demonstrates how far racial equality has advanced since the Emancipation Proclamation was penned by Abraham Lincoln 146 years ago. In his acceptance speech, our new president-elect encouraged all citizens to work together for our nation's continued growth and prosperity. As a citizen of Florida, one of the nation’s most diverse and culturally rich states, what will you do to contribute to a brighter future for Florida and all its citizens?"
• Each student may enter only one essay.
• Essays should be no longer than 500 words in length, and should be typed or hand written in print only. No cursive writing will be accepted.
• A completed parental waiver form must accompany each essay. The parental waiver can be obtained by logging onto the Governor’s Black History Month Web site at www.floridablackhistory.com.
• Essays submitted must include contestant's name, home address, telephone number, school the student attends, grade level and title of the essay.
• Winners will receive a four-year full tuition scholarship to any Florida state college or university of their choice, provided by Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Winners must be legal residents to meet all scholarship requirements.
• Winners will be awarded their scholarships at the Governor's Black History Month celebration to be held in Tallahassee in February 2009. Travel and lodging expenses will be paid for the winners and two immediate family members.

• Download Student Essay Rules and Waiver (.pdf)

Contact the Governor’s Office at (850) 410-0501 for any further questions.

Governor Charlie Crist's Black History Month Art Contest

Official Rules and Guidelines

Grades K – 3

Governor Charlie Crist's Black History Month Art Contest is open to all K-3 students in the state of Florida. Two winners will be selected and will be notified by February 12, 2009.

• Eligibility: Contestant must be Florida elementary school student (grades K-3) during the 2008-2009 school year, and be a legal resident of Florida at the time of his/her application.
• Entry Dates: Student artwork and entry form must be postmarked by Friday, February 6, 2009 (Contestants are responsible for all shipping costs).
• Entry Form: Student must provide all required information requested on the entry form (entry form must be legible). The student and a Parent are required to read and understand these rules in order to complete the entry form in its entirety. The entry form includes a release and certification that must be signed by a Parent or Guardian.
• Theme: Black History Month is a time to celebrate the many contributions made by African Americans to our country. Draw/sketch/paint a picture that best represents what you believe to be the most important achievements African Americans have made in the past 100 years.
• Artwork Student must submit original, 2-dimensional artwork.
  • Student artwork must be original, created only by the student. Artwork may not be drawn from any existing artwork (photograph, advertisement, etc.) not created by the student.
  • Student artwork must measure 8 1/2 by 11 inches and be created using any 2 dimensional medium including:
    1. drawing (pencil, crayon, graphite, etc.)
    2. painting (pastel, watercolor, spray paint, oils, etc.)
• Each student is allowed only one submission to this contest.
• Labeling Requirements: Each entry must have the following information attached: student name, school, and student city. A copy of the completed entry form must also be attached to the back of the artwork.
• Transfer of Rights: Each applicant and his/her parent must agree to give all rights to the submitted artwork, including copyright, to the Executive Office of the Governor. This transfer of rights will allow the Executive Office, at a minimum, to reproduce, distribute, and display your artwork. The winner's submission will be duplicated in various mediums and used to promote Black History Month throughout the state. The foregoing means that when you submit your artwork to participate in this contest, your artwork will become the property of the Executive Office and will not be returned.
• Public Disclosure: The Florida Public Records Act, located in Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, generally requires that all activities, including this contest, are open to the public. Therefore, all aspects of your involvement in this contest, including your artwork, will be subject to public disclosure.
• Awards: Each winner will receive a $250 check, which will be awarded at the Governor's Black History Month celebration to be held in Tallahassee in February 2009. Travel and lodging expenses will be paid for the winners and two immediate family members.

• Download Art Contest Entry Form (.pdf)
• Download Parental Waiver (.pdf)

Contact the Governor's Office at (850) 410-0501 for any further questions.

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