First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces 2021 Black History Month Theme and Student Contests

by Sharon Aron Baron February 5, 2021

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By Sharon Aron Baron

On Friday, First Lady Casey DeSantis released news regarding the student art and essay contests and Excellence in Education awards, announcing that Black History Month’s theme is “Community Champions – Celebrating the Contributions of African Americans in Florida’s Communities.”

“Countless contributions of Black Floridians continue to shape our communities statewide,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “During Black History Month, the Governor and I look forward to recognizing and celebrating these champions of service who have made Florida stronger. I encourage students from across the state to join in these celebrations and enter our art and essay contest, as well as educators that go above and beyond to serve our students.”

First Lady DeSantis is inviting students to participate in academic and creative contests based on the theme, “Community Champions – Celebrating the Contributions of African Americans in Florida’s Communities.”

Students in grades K-3 can participate in an art contest, while students in grades 4-12 can participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers, and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award.

Student Art Contest

The Black History Month Art Contest is open to all K-3 students in Florida. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Two winners will be selected.

Student Essay Contest

Open to all 4-12 students in Florida. Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school student (grades 4-5), one middle school student (grades 6-8), and one high school student (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a 4-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

Excellence in Education Award

First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school teacher (grades K-5), one middle school teacher (grades 6-8), and one high school teacher (grades 9-12). Nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian, or student.

Contest Entries and Nominating Forms and Guidelines

Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at FloridaBlackHistory.com. All entries must be received by 5 pm on Friday, February 26, 2021.

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Sharon Aron Baron

Sharon Aron Baron is a Parkland resident and editor of Talk Media. She has been covering Parkland news since 2012. Parkland Talk was created to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Parkland.