First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces Florida’s 2020 Black History Month Theme

Student essay contest winners will receive a 4-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the theme for Black History Month in February will be “Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of African Americans in Florida” and released information regarding the student art and essay contests and Excellence in Education awards.

“Florida has been enriched by the many contributions made by our African American community and we cherish the opportunity to highlight their achievements,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “This year, we take special pride in heralding those who have given us much to celebrate in our local communities and should be acknowledged as we honor the legacy of the many through Black History Month.”

To play the video click the image above or click HERE.

First Lady DeSantis is inviting students to participate in academic and creative contests based on theme “Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of African Americans in Florida.” Students in grades K-3 can participate in an art contest while students in grades 4-12 can participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award.

About the Student Art Contest
First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Art Contest is open to all K-3 students in Florida. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Two winners will be selected.

About the Student Essay Contest
First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Essay Contest is open to all 4-12 students in Florida. Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school student (grades 4-5), one middle school student (grades 6-8) and one high school student (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

About the Excellence in Education Award
First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school teacher (grades K-5), one middle school teacher (grades 6-8) and one high school teacher (grades 9-12). Nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian or student.

Contest Entries and Nominating Forms and Guidelines
Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at www.FloridaBlackHistory.com.