Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the winners of the Hispanic Heritage Month student art and essay contest and educator awards. Contest winners were invited to the Florida Governor’s Mansion where they received prizes and were recognized for their art, essays and educational contributions. This year, students wrote essays and created art that reflected the theme “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heritage.” The Hispanic Heritage Month Student and Educator Contests are made possible through a collaboration between the Department of Education, Volunteer Florida, the Florida Lottery and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

“Volunteer Florida is honored to recognize these outstanding students and educators whose creativity and leadership showcase the lasting impact of Hispanic heritage in our communities,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “Their work reflects the power of culture, education, and service to strengthen and inspire our great state.”

Student Art Contest
Students in kindergarten through third grade were invited to submit original artworks for the contest. Four art contest winners were chosen, and each received a $200 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida state parks. 

The winners of the student art contest are:

• Diego Alvarez (Grade 1)
• Zoe Domenica Reyna Guillen (Grade 3)
• Delilah Lee (Kindergarten)
• Lucas Villegas (Grade 2)

Student Essay Contest
Students in fourth through twelfth grade were invited to submit essays based on this year’s theme. Six winners were selected including two elementary students (grades 4–5), two middle school students (grades 6–8), and two high school students (grades 9–12). Winners received a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $200 gift card for school supplies. 

The winners of the essay contest are:

• Bianca Ceballos (Grade 12)
• Emma Crumpacker (Grade 5)
• Camille Galvez D’Angelo (Grade 7)
• Benjamin Espinoza (Grade 4)
• Aria Narinedat (Grade 8)
• Ishanvi Sabniveesu (Grade 10)

Excellence in Education Award
Four winners are chosen for the Excellence in Education Award Contest. The winners were selected from nominations sent in by principals, teachers, parents or guardians, and students. Excellence in Education Award winners received a $2,500 monetary recognition provided by the Volunteer Florida Foundation. 

The Excellence in Education Award winners are:

• Nadia Charcap, Oviedo High School
• Silvia Pacheco, Hidden Oaks Middle School
• Andy Shepard, Yulee Middle School
• Marisol Valentin-Robles, Plant City High School