Governor Scott, Lt. Governor Carroll and First Lady Ann Scott announce 2013 Black History Month Contests

Governor Scott, Lt. Governor Carroll and First Lady Ann Scott announce 2013 Black History Month Contests

Governor Scott, Lt. Governor Carroll and First Lady Ann Scott.

Submitted by Florida’s Foundation

      TALLAHASSEE, FL – Governor Rick Scott, Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll, and First Lady Ann Scott are inviting students in kindergarten through 12th grades to participate in the Florida Black History Month art and essay contests. They also invite students, parents, teachers and principals to nominate full-time African-American educators in elementary, middle or high schools for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award.

     The student contests focus on the theme “Diversity in the United States” and information about the contests and Florida’s Black History Month is avail-able on Florida’s Black History Month website, www.FloridaBlackHistory.com.

     Gov. Rick Scott said, “This contest is a great way for Florida children to learn about African American History and its important contributions to our state. I encourage Florida families and teachers to get their kids involved, and use this opportunity to provide children with an important lesson on what African American History means to our state and nation.”

     “As an immigrant from Trinidad, I am proud to recognize African-Americans who encompass a wide variety of nationalities and diverse backgrounds,” said Lt. Gov. Carroll. “As Florida’s first African-American Lt. Governor, I hope to continue expanding on Florida’s already diverse environment.”

     “It is important that Florida school children learn about the cultures that make Florida such a unique and special place,” said First Lady Ann Scott. “The art and essay contests are a great chance for the children of Florida to express their creativity while learning about diversity in our state.”

About the Student Contests

     Art Contest for Grades K-3 – The Black History Month art contest is open to all Florida students in grades K-3, and two winners will be selected.

     Essay Contest for Grades 4-12 – The Black History Month essay contest is open to all fourth through 12th grade students in Florida.

     Three winners will be selected: one elementary (4-5) student, one middle (6-8) student, and one high school (9-12) student. Winners will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

     Please visit www.FloridaBlackHistory.com to download complete guidelines and entry forms.

About the Excellence in Education Award

     Governor Scott’s annual Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all African-American, full time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida.

     Three winners will be selected: one elementary (K-5) teacher, one middle school (6-8) teacher and one high school (9-12) teacher. Winners will receive a check for $1,500.

     Forms can be found at www.FloridaBlackHistory.com.

Contest Entries and Nominations

     Student Contests and Educator Nomination forms must be mailed to: Florida’s Foundation

Attention: Black History Month, 111 N. Gadsden Street Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL 32301

     All entries must be received by the Foundation no later than 5 p.m., Feb. 6, 2013.

     For additional information about Florida’s Black history, contests and other related events, visit www.FloridaBlackHistory.com.