Last night, the winners of Florida’s Black History Month educator and student art and essay contests were announced at a reception held at the Governor’s Mansion. The annual event, organized under the theme “Celebrating Black History,” is supported by a partnership 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.”
Josie Tamayo, CEO of Volunteer Florida, also commented: “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. 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.”
In the student art contest, which was open to kindergarten through third grade students, four winners were selected. Each received a $200 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida state parks. The winners 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), and Madison Cruess (Grade 3, Westside School, Osceola County).
The essay contest invited submissions from fourth through twelfth graders. Six students won two-year Florida College Plan scholarships provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation along with $200 gift cards for school supplies. Winners include 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), and Ah-Jnea Ottley (Grade 12, Homestead High School, Miami-Dade County).
Four educators received Excellence in Education Awards after being nominated by principals, teachers, parents or guardians, and students. Recipients were Omega Mothersill (Auburndale High School), Brittany Rudolph-Montgomery (The Villages Charter School), Yanetta Smith (Pedro Menendez High School), and Francis Thomas (Renaissance Charter School at Chickasaw Trail). Each was awarded $2,500 in recognition from Volunteer Florida.
The Florida Department of Education oversees public education throughout the state from early learning through higher education. It collaborates with parents and communities to improve student achievement across diverse groups while providing resources for academic support and professional development for both educators and students.
More information about educational programs in Florida can be found on its official website.
