Anastasios Kamoutsas, Commissioner at Florida Department Of Education | Florida Department Of Education
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 across the state. Participants are asked to submit original, two-dimensional artwork reflecting this year’s theme. Four winners will be chosen, 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 select six winners: 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 be residents of Florida, enrolled in grades four through twelve at any public, charter, private, home, or virtual school in the state, and able to provide a Social Security Number. Only one essay per student may be submitted; essays must be written in English and not exceed 500 words. The subject should focus on a Hispanic Floridian who has made an impact in the state.
Additionally, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open for nominations of full-time educators working at elementary, middle, or high schools in Florida. Four educators will be selected based on nominations submitted by principals, teachers, parents or guardians, or students. Each award recipient will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
Entries for all contests must be received 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 contest rules and submission guidelines can be found at www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
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