The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida have announced the launch of the 2025 Native American Heritage Month student art and essay contests. The theme for this year is “Celebrating Florida’s Native American Heritage.” Native American Heritage Month is observed nationally each November.
“We are proud to offer students opportunities to learn from and honor the Native Americans who have shaped Florida’s story,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “I encourage every student to learn about our Native American history and discover the remarkable achievements they made.”
“I am proud to celebrate the culture and heritage of Native Americans who enrich the value of our Nation,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “During Native American Heritage Month, we honor the many contributions of Native American Floridians.”
All students in Florida are eligible to participate in contests related to this year’s theme. Students in kindergarten through third grade can enter an art contest, while those in grades four through twelve can submit essays. Additionally, nominations are open for full-time educators across all grades for the Excellence in Education Award.
For the art contest, students in grades K-3 should submit original two-dimensional artwork reflecting this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will each receive a $200 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks.
The essay contest is open to students in grades 4-12 attending any type of school in Florida. Six winners will be chosen: two from elementary (grades 4-5), two from middle (grades 6-8), and two from high school (grades 9-12). Each winner will be awarded a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, along with a $200 gift card for school supplies.
Eligibility requirements specify that contestants must be residents of Florida, attend school within the state, and provide a Social Security Number. Essays must be written in English, limited to one entry per student, and not exceed 500 words.
Students are encouraged to write about a Floridian Native American who has made a significant impact on the state’s history.
The Excellence in Education Award contest is sponsored by Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis. It is open to all full-time educators working at elementary, middle, or high schools in Florida. Four winners will be selected based on nominations submitted by principals, teachers, parents or guardians, or students. Each recipient will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
Entries for both student contests and educator nominations can be mailed or submitted online at www.floridanativeamericanheritage.com. All submissions must be received by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on Friday, November 21, 2025.
More information about these contests is available at www.floridanativeamericanheritage.com.
