February 26, 2026
FDOE Press Office
850-245-0413
Celebrating Black History: Art, Essay, and Educator Contest Winners
Tallahassee, Fla., February 26, 2026 – The Governor’s Mansion hosted an inspiring event last night where the winners of the Black History Month contests were revealed. The contests, featuring art and essays, are part of a celebration under this year’s theme, “Celebrating Black History,” which is supported by the Florida Department of Education, Volunteer Florida, the Florida Lottery, and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas expressed his admiration, stating, “Florida students once again amazed me with the quality of their art and essay submissions and the educators showed their commitment and dedication to their students.” He congratulated the winners for their outstanding contributions.
CEO of Volunteer Florida, Josie Tamayo, highlighted the significance of the event by saying, “We are incredibly proud to recognize these outstanding students and educators whose creativity and dedication bring the stories of Black history to life in meaningful ways.” She emphasized their work’s role in fostering service, leadership, and unity in Florida’s future.
Student Art Contest
This contest invited submissions from students in kindergarten through third grade. The four winners each received a $200 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida state parks. The winners are:
Isobel DeGroot, Kindergarten, St. Andrew’s Academy, Indian River County
Kiera Pero, Grade 1, Waters Edge Elementary, Palm Beach County
Allison Garcia, Grade 2, Kendale Elementary, Miami-Dade County
Madison Cruess, Grade 3, Westside School, Osceola County
Student Essay Contest
Fourth through twelfth graders participated in the essay contest themed around Black history. Six winners were awarded a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship and a $200 gift card. The winners include:
Elizabeth Grim, Grade 4, Schwarzkopf Elementary School, Hillsborough County
Adriana Watkins, Grade 5, Coronado Beach Elementary School, Volusia County
Saije Wade Cody, Grade 6, Paul Laurance Dunbar Middle School, Lee County
Rohanna Johnson, Grade 7, Franklin Academy, Broward County
Tevay Berry, Grade 9, Freedomschoolers Academy, Flagler County
Ah-Jnea Ottley, Grade 12, Homestead High School, Miami-Dade County
Excellence in Education Award
The Excellence in Education Award recognized four educators nominated by their communities. Each winner received a $2,500 award from Volunteer Florida. The honorees are:
Omega Mothersill, Auburndale High School, Polk County
Brittany Rudolph-Montgomery, The Villages Charter School, Sumter County
Yanetta Smith, Pedro Menendez High School, St. Johns County
Francis Thomas, Renaissance Charter School at Chickasaw Trail, Orange County
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