November 6, 2025
FDOE Press Office
850-245-0413
Florida Students Encouraged to Engage in Native American Heritage Month Contests
Tallahassee, Fla., November 6, 2025 – In a bid to celebrate and educate on Native American contributions, the Florida Department of Education along with Volunteer Florida has announced the 2025 Native American Heritage Month student art and essay contests under the theme “Celebrating Florida’s Native American Heritage.” Native American Heritage Month is an annual observance in November across the United States.
“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.”
Students across Florida are invited to engage in contests that promote academic and artistic expression, aligned with this year’s theme. Young artists in grades K-3 can take part in an art contest, while aspiring writers in grades 4-12 have the opportunity to enter the essay contest. Additionally, educators can be nominated for the Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award by students, parents, teachers, and principals.
Student Art Contest Details
The art contest is open to Kindergarten through third-grade students within Florida. Participants are required to submit one original piece of two-dimensional artwork based on the theme. Four winners will be chosen statewide, each receiving a $200 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks.
Student Essay Contest Information
The essay contest invites entries from students in grades 4-12 attending any Florida school. The competition will select six winners: two from elementary (grades 4-5), two from middle school (grades 6-8), and two from high school (grades 9-12). Each winner is awarded a 2-year Florida College Plan scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation along with a $200 gift card for school supplies.
Participants must be Florida residents, enrolled in grades 4-12 in a Florida school (public, charter, private, home, or virtual), and able to provide a Social Security Number. Essays, written in English, should not exceed 500 words. The topic should focus on a Native American who has significantly contributed to Florida’s history.
Possible essay subjects include:
- Betty Mae Tiger Jumper – First woman elected as Chair of the Seminole Tribe of Florida
- Florida’s Timucuan Pocahontas, Ulele
- Osceola – An outspoken advocate for Seminole rights in the 1800s
- Noah Billie – An acclaimed Seminole painter
Excellence in Education Award Overview
The Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award is open to full-time educators in Florida’s elementary, middle, and high schools. Four winners, nominated by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian, or student, will receive $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
Submission Guidelines and Deadlines
Entries for the student contests and educator nominations can be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at www.floridanativeamericanheritage.com.
Volunteer Florida
Native American Heritage Month Committee
1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
All entries must be received by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on Friday, November 21, 2025.
For more information on the contests, please visit www.floridanativeamericanheritage.com.
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