TALLAHASSEE, Fla.,– The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida invited students to participate in the 2025 Native American Heritage Month student art and essay contests with the theme “Celebrating Florida’s Native American Heritage.” Native American Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated in the United States during the month of 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 honored to recognize the rich culture and heritage of Native Americans, whose contributions greatly enhance the fabric of our nation,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “As we observe Native American Heritage Month, we celebrate the impact and legacy of Native American communities here in Florida and beyond.”
All Florida students are invited to participate in academic and creative contests based on this year’s theme. Students in grades K-3 are invited to participate in an art contest, while students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.
About the Student Art Contest
The Native American Heritage Month art contest is open to all Kindergarten through third-grade students in Florida. Each student should submit one original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $200 gift card for school supplies and a 1-year pass to Florida State Parks.
About the Student Essay Contest
The Native American Heritage Month essay contest is open to all students attending any Florida school in grades 4-12. Six winners will be selected: two elementary school students (grades 4-5), two middle school students (grades 6-8), and two high school students (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $200 gift card for school supplies.
Contestants must be Florida residents, attend school in Florida in grades 4-12 (including public, charter, private, home or virtual) and able to provide a Social Security Number. Each student may enter only one essay, written in English, no longer than 500 words.
There are many examples throughout our state’s history of Native Americans and their contributions to Florida’s success. Using your own words, write about a Native American who has had an impactful effect whose story should be shared. The subject of the essay should be a Floridian.
Some examples are:
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Betty Mae Tiger Jumper – First woman elected as Chair of the Seminole Tribe of Florida
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Florida’s Timucuan Pocahontas, Ulele
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Osceola – An outspoken advocate for Seminole rights in the 1800s
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Noah Billie – An acclaimed Seminole painter
