The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida have announced the opening of the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month student art and essay contests. The theme for this year is “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage.” Hispanic Heritage Month is observed nationally 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,” said 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 is open to students in kindergarten through third grade attending any school in Florida. Participants are required to submit original two-dimensional artwork based on the annual theme. Four winners will be chosen statewide, each receiving a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks.
For students in grades four through twelve, an essay contest will be held. Six winners will be selected: two from elementary (grades 4-5), two from middle (grades 6-8), and two from high school (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation as well as a $100 gift card for school supplies.
To enter, students must reside in Florida, attend school in grades four through twelve—including public, charter, private, home or virtual schools—and provide a Social Security Number. Only one essay per student may be submitted; essays must be written in English and not exceed 500 words. Students are asked to write about a Hispanic Floridian who has made an impactful contribution whose story should be shared.
Additionally, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest invites nominations for full-time educators at elementary, middle or high schools across the state. Four educators will receive $2,500 awards from Volunteer Florida; nominations can come from principals, teachers, parents/guardians or students.
All contest entries and educator nominations must be received by Volunteer Florida by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. Submissions can be mailed or entered online at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
More information about these contests is available at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
