Students across Florida are being encouraged to participate in the 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month student art and essay contests, which focus on 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 nationwide from September 15 to October 15 each year.
“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 all Kindergarten through third-grade students in the state. Participants must submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s 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 older students in grades 4-12 attending any public, charter, private, home or virtual school in Florida, there is an essay contest. 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.
Eligibility requires that contestants are residents of Florida and able to provide a Social Security Number. Each student may submit only one essay in English with a maximum length of 500 words. Essays should focus on a Hispanic Floridian who has had an impactful effect on the state.
In addition to student competitions, 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 Florida. Four winners will be chosen based on nominations submitted by principals, teachers, parents/guardians or students. Each award recipient will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
All contest entries and educator nomination forms can be mailed or submitted online at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com. Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
Further information about these contests can be found at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
