Last night, the winners of Florida’s Black History Month art, essay, and educator contests were announced during a reception at the Governor’s Mansion. The annual event is organized in partnership by the Florida Department of Education, Volunteer Florida, the Florida Lottery, and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
This year’s theme was “Celebrating Black History.” The student and educator contests aim to encourage learning about Black history among students and highlight educators’ efforts in this area.
“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.”
“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,” said CEO of Volunteer Florida, Josie Tamayo. “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.”
For the student art contest, children from kindergarten through third grade submitted original artwork. Four winners each received a $200 gift card for school supplies as well as a one-year pass to state parks. Winners were Isobel DeGroot (Kindergarten, St. Andrew’s Academy), Kiera Pero (Grade 1, Waters Edge Elementary), Allison Garcia (Grade 2, Kendale Elementary), and Madison Cruess (Grade 3, Westside School).
The student essay contest accepted entries from fourth through twelfth graders based on this year’s theme. Six students—two each from elementary (grades 4–5), middle (grades 6–8), and high school (grades 9–12)—were selected as winners. Each received a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation along with a $200 gift card for school supplies. The winning students are Elizabeth Grim (Grade 4), Adriana Watkins (Grade 5), Saije Wade Cody (Grade 6), Rohanna Johnson (Grade 7), Tevay Berry (Grade 9), and Ah-Jnea Ottley (Grade 12).
The Excellence in Education Award recognized four educators nominated by principals, teachers, parents or guardians, or students. Each winner received $2,500 from Volunteer Florida: 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).
The Florida Department of Education oversees public education across all levels within the state—from early childhood through higher learning—and works closely with parents, educators, and communities to support student achievement. It provides resources such as academic support services and professional training for both teachers and students.
According to its official website, the department administers programs for K-12 schools as well as higher education initiatives aimed at preparing students for future careers. Its headquarters are located at 325 West Gaines Street in Tallahassee.
