Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the winners of the 2026 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 Aetna, the Florida Lottery, Florida Department of Education, Florida Department of State, Florida Prepaid College Foundation, and Volunteer Florida.

“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.

The winners of the student art contest are:

• Alisa Bahriantseva (Grade 3)
• Abby Del Carpio (Kindergarten)
• Logan Salazar (Grade 2)
• Raquel Triola (Grade 1)

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:

• Susana Aristizabal (Grade 10)
• Carmen Gomez (Grade 12)
• Jasiel Juarez (Grade 5)
• Oliver Martinez (Grade 8)
• Camila Ochoa-Ruiz (Grade 8)
• Ana Romero (Grade 5)

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:

• Jessica Barriera, Winston Academy of Engineering
• Laura Lopez, Jere L. Stambaugh Middle School 
• Rachel Ubilla, Dade Christian School
• Maria Vallejo, South Miami Heights Elementary School

Volunteer Florida thanks the sponsors and partners for the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests: Aetna, Florida Lottery, Florida Prepaid College Foundation, Florida Department of State, and the Florida Department of Education.