Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring student and educator contest winners at the Florida Governor’s Mansion. The winners were recognized for their art, essays, and educational contributions that reflected the theme “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heroes and Their Contributions to Freedom.”
Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the importance of teaching students about the contributions of Hispanic Floridians in preserving freedom. He stated, “Florida has extensive Hispanic heritage, and many Hispanic Floridians have played a significant role in defending freedom and liberty.”
First Lady Casey DeSantis highlighted the ongoing impact of Hispanic Floridians and expressed her pride in the students who participated in the contest. She stated, “This year’s theme honored the contributions Hispanic Floridians have made in ensuring that Florida and the United States continue to be a beacon of freedom for the rest of the world.”
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, Florida’s first Hispanic female Lieutenant Governor, emphasized the significance of recognizing the contributions of Hispanics from all walks of life. She congratulated the winners and stated, “So many leaders throughout our state’s history have made great strides to protect and defend freedom.”
Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr., who himself is a Hispanic Floridian, congratulated the winners and expressed his pride in learning about the Hispanic Floridians who have impacted communities through their heroism and contributions to freedom.
Josie Tamayo, CEO of Volunteer Florida, praised the winners and highlighted the importance of honoring the contributions and influences of Hispanic culture, as well as educating future generations on the value of community and service to others.
The contest winners included students from various grade levels who showcased their talent and knowledge. In the student art contest, four winners were chosen from kindergarten through third grade. Each winner received a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida state parks. The winning artworks included pieces titled “Los Colores de Mi Isla/The Colors of My Island,” “Romero Britto Inspired Artwork,” “Ponce de Leon,” and “Cierra los Ojos y Respira Profundo” or “Close Your Eyes and Breathe Deeply.”
In the student essay contest, six winners were selected from fourth through twelfth grade. These winners received a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies. The winning essays showcased the students’ understanding of this year’s theme. The winners included students from James E. Plew Elementary School, Sandpiper Elementary School, Alice B. Landrum Middle School, Oakleaf Junior High School, Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School, and School for Advanced Studies.
The Excellence in Education Award recognized outstanding educators who were nominated by principals, teachers, parents, guardians, and students. The winners of this award received a $2,500 monetary recognition provided by Volunteer Florida. The winners included teachers from Fort Myers High School, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School, Cooper City High School, and Doral Academy Charter Middle/High School.
Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and recognition of the contest winners at the Governor’s Mansion highlighted the rich Hispanic heritage of Florida and the contributions of Hispanic Floridians in shaping the state’s history and upholding freedom.
To find out more, go to this link: https://www.flgov.com/2023/10/12/governor-ron-desantis-and-first-lady-casey-desantis-celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month-and-host-contest-winners-at-governors-mansion/
