An opportunity for students to compete for a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation

I received this letter recently and wanted to share this opportunity with all of my students.  Perhaps you want to give it a whirl.

Dear Educators:

As you begin a new semester, we would like to share an important opportunity with you. This week, Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott announced the 2015 Black History Month contests, honoring both students and educators.

Excellence in Education Award:

Students, parents, teachers and principals are invited to nominate full-time, African-American educators in elementary, middle and high schools for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award. All entry forms and guidelines for the contests can be found at www.FloridaBlackHistory.com.

Student Art and Essay Contests:

Art and essay contests are open to students in Kindergarten to 12th grade. The theme for this year’s essay and art contests is “A Celebration of African-American Innovation and Innovators.” Students are asked to share how African-American innovators have shaped Florida.

The art contest is open to all Florida students in grades K-3, and two winners will be selected.

The essay contest is open to all Florida students in grades 4 through 12. Three winners will be selected: one elementary student (grades 4-5), one middle-school student (grades 6-8), and one high school student (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

Information about the contests and Florida’s Black History Month is available on Florida’s Black History Month website at www.FloridaBlackHistory.com.