Students across Florida are being encouraged to take part in the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month student art and essay contests, which highlight the theme “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage.” The initiative is organized by the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida. Hispanic Heritage Month is observed annually in the United States from September 15 to October 15.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate Spain’s influence on Florida’s rich heritage,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “I hope every student takes this opportunity to learn about the ways Florida has benefitted from this influence.”
“I am proud to honor the contributions and influence Hispanic cultures have on Florida,” added Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “As a Cuban-American, Hispanic Heritage Month is a way to not only celebrate but to educate our future generations on the value of community and serving others.”
The art contest welcomes entries from Kindergarten through third-grade students. Participants are required to submit original, two-dimensional artwork reflecting this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will each receive a $100 gift card for school supplies and an annual pass for entry into Florida State Parks.
The essay contest is open to students in grades 4-12 who attend any type of school in Florida, including public, charter, private, home or virtual programs. Six winners will be chosen: two each from elementary (grades 4-5), middle (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9-12) levels. Each winner receives a two-year scholarship plan funded by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation as well as a $100 gift card for supplies.
To qualify for either contest, participants must reside in Florida and provide proof of enrollment at an eligible grade level along with a Social Security Number. Only one essay per student may be submitted; essays should be written in English with a maximum length of 500 words. Contestants are asked to write about a Floridian of Hispanic descent who has had significant impact within the state.
In addition to student competitions, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Excellence in Education Award contest recognizes full-time educators at elementary, middle or high schools across Florida. Four winners will be selected based on nominations submitted by principals, teachers, parents or students; recipients will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
All submissions—either mailed or entered online—must arrive by Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 5 p.m., Eastern Time. Further details can be found at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
