The winners of the Black History Month educator and student art and essay contests were announced at a reception at the Governor’s Mansion. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Black History.” The Black History Month student and educator contests are made possible through a collaboration between the Florida Department of Education, Volunteer Florida, the Florida Lottery and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

“Florida students once again amazed me with the quality of their art and essay submissions and the educators showed their commitment and dedication to their students,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “I am pleased that so many took this opportunity to learn about Black history and send my congratulations to the winners.”

“We are incredibly proud to recognize these outstanding students and educators whose creativity and dedication bring the stories of Black history to life in meaningful ways,” said CEO of Volunteer Florida, Josie Tamayo. “Their work not only honors the past, but also inspires a spirit of service, leadership, and unity that will shape Florida’s future for generations to come.”

Student Art Contest
Students in kindergarten through third grade were invited to submit original artworks for the contest. Four art contest winners were chosen, and each received a $200 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida state parks. The winners of the student art contest are:

• Isobel DeGroot, Kindergarten, St. Andrew’s Academy, Indian River County
• Kiera Pero, Grade 1, Waters Edge Elementary, Palm Beach County
• Allison Garcia, Grade 2, Kendale Elementary, Miami-Dade County
• Madison Cruess, Grade 3, Westside School, Osceola County

Student Essay Contest
Students in fourth through twelfth grade were invited to submit essays based on this year’s theme. Six winners were selected including two elementary students (grades 4–5), two middle school students (grades 6–8), and two high school students (grades 9–12). Winners received a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $200 gift card for school supplies. The winners of the essay contest are:

• Elizabeth Grim, Grade 4, Schwarzkopf Elementary School, Hillsborough County
• Adriana Watkins, Grade 5, Coronado Beach Elementary School, Volusia County 
• Saije Wade Cody, Grade 6, Paul Laurance Dunbar Middle School, Lee County
• Rohanna Johnson, Grade 7, Franklin Academy, Broward County
• Tevay Berry, Grade 9, Freedomschoolers Academy, Flagler County
• Ah-Jnea Ottley, Grade 12, Homestead High School, Miami-Dade County

Excellence in Education Award
There were four winners for the Excellence in Education Award Contest. The winners were selected from nominations sent in by principals, teachers, parents or guardians, and students. Excellence in Education Award winners received a $2,500 monetary recognition provided by the Volunteer Florida Foundation. The Excellence in Education Award winners are:

• Omega Mothersill, Auburndale High School, Polk County
• Brittany Rudolph-Montgomery, The Villages Charter School, Sumter County
• Yanetta Smith, Pedro Menendez High School, St. Johns County
• Francis Thomas, Renaissance Charter School at Chickasaw Trail, Orange County