Volunteer Florida and state agencies recognize outstanding student and teacher achievements in Black History Month
Florida – Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis revealed the winners of Florida’s annual Black History Month student art and essay contests as well as the recipients of the Excellence in Education Awards in honor of creativity, scholarship, and commitment to education.
Made possible by cooperation among the Florida Department of Education, Volunteer Florida, the Florida Lottery, and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, the event highlighted this year’s theme: Honoring African American Contributions to Florida’s Success.
Governor DeSantis underscored the significance of the initiative.
“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 Ron DeSantis. “I am proud of these students who went above and beyond to apply what they have learned to these contests.”
“I am proud of every student that participated in this year’s Black History Month contest,” said Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Their submissions were inspiring and an example of the important work that our teachers do every day to inspire our students through knowledge.”
Young artists showcase talent and history
The Black History Month Art Contest sought young Florida residents—those in kindergarten through third grade—to share their creative interpretations of African American contributions to the history of the state. Four outstanding candidates from a pool of great entries were selected.
Along with a one-year admission to Florida state parks, the winners—Joshua Gonzalez, Aria Santiago, Aminah Smith, Lauren Mayer—each received a $100 gift card for school supplies. Their artwork shows both creativity and a strong awareness of the theme, therefore attesting to the great influence of history on young minds.
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Essay contest highlights scholarly excellence
Older students, spanning fourth through twelfth grade, participated in the highly competitive essay contest. With the chance to win a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship, students were tasked with writing about African American leaders and their lasting impact on Florida’s development.
Six outstanding essays were selected, with winners coming from elementary, middle, and high school levels. The students recognized for their exceptional work were:
- Elementary School: Kei’Ani McQuown (Grade 5) and Vanessa Viera (Grade 5)
- Middle School: Gabriel Brown (Grade 8) and Evangeline Baldwin (Grade 7)
- High School: Manuel Perez (Grade 11) and Aaron Gordon (Grade 11)
Every one of these youngsters not only had extraordinary writing abilities but also a deep admiration for the efforts of Florida African American leaders. Their work paid off with a $100 gift card for school supplies and a priceless opportunity for a prepaid college scholarship.
Educators recognized for excellence
Education plays a critical role in fostering an appreciation for history and culture, and this year’s Excellence in Education Award winners exemplify that mission. Teachers were nominated by peers, students, and parents for their dedication to instilling knowledge and inspiring young minds.
The four educators honored for their remarkable contributions to education 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
Each educator received a $2,500 monetary award from Volunteer Florida as a token of appreciation for their unwavering commitment to student success.
“Volunteer Florida is proud to recognize the winners of this year’s Black History Month contests,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “Their creativity and passion reflect the rich history, culture, and contributions of African Americans throughout our state. We celebrate their achievements and the impact they will continue to make in their communities and beyond.”
Black History Month reminds everyone of the tremendous impact African Americans have made on forming Florida. Through art, literature, and education, both teachers and students celebrate these efforts, therefore guaranteeing that next generations understand and value the part African Americans have played in the development of their state.
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Apart from their success, the winners of this year helped to initiate a more general discussion on the value of history, education, and culture. Projects like these confirm the dedication to respecting and learning from the past while motivating next generations as Florida keeps celebrating its varied legacy.
