Floridians Invited to Participate in Hispanic Heritage Student and Teacher Contests

Floridians Invited to Participate in Hispanic Heritage Student and Teacher Contests
As part of the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, 2010, Florida students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to participate in student contests centered around the theme, “Recognizing Florida’s Hispanic Heritage: Past, Present and Future.” Parents, teachers, students and principals are also invited to nominate full-time educators in elementary, middle and high schools for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award. Winners will be recognized at the Governor’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration to be held in Tallahassee in October.

Student Contests

• Art Contest for Grades K-3

Two winners will be selected from entries submitted by students in grades K-3.

Grades K-3 Art Contest Prompt: Luis Nunez is a Hispanic-American artist living in Florida. Students should think about how his paintings "Egret and Mangroves," "Blue Heron," and "They're Humans, Junior, Let's Go," make them feel about the importance of protecting Florida's wildlife, marshes, and beaches. Students should draw a picture of their favorite animal that is native to Florida showing it in its natural habitat.

• Essay Contest for Grades 4-12

Three winners will be selected - one at elementary (grades 4 and 5), one at middle (grades 6-8), and one at high school (grades 9-12) - from among essays submitted by students in grades four through 12.

Grades 4 and 5 Writing Prompt: Students should discuss a well-known Hispanic Floridian whose contribution has made a difference in their life or their community.

Grades 6 - 12 Writing Prompt: Students should interview and describe a Hispanic American whom they know has devoted his or her life to the service of others. The essay should answer the question, "How has this person's life strengthened his or her community and Florida as a state?"