Florida students are invited to participate in the 2025 Native American Heritage Month contests to celebrate culture and history across the state
Tallahassee, Florida – The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida have extended an invitation to students across the state to participate in the 2025 Native American Heritage Month contests, offering an opportunity to explore and celebrate Florida’s rich Native American history. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Florida’s Native American Heritage,” encourages students to reflect on the contributions and cultural legacy of Native Americans who have shaped the state.
“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.”
Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo added, “I am proud to celebrate the culture and heritage of Native Americans who enrich the value of our Nation. During Native American Heritage Month, we honor the many contributions of Native American Floridians.”
The contests are divided by grade levels and type of entry. Kindergarten through third-grade students are invited to participate in the art contest, submitting original two-dimensional artwork inspired by this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, with each receiving a $200 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks. This initiative encourages younger students to express their understanding of Florida’s Native American heritage through creative visual mediums.
Students in grades 4 through 12 are invited to participate in the essay contest. This contest will recognize six winners: two elementary students (grades 4-5), two middle school students (grades 6-8), and two high school students (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship through the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, along with a $200 gift card for school supplies. Essays must be 500 words or fewer, written in English, and focus on a Floridian Native American whose story has had a meaningful impact. Examples of notable figures include Betty Mae Tiger Jumper, the first woman elected Chair of the Seminole Tribe of Florida; Osceola, a leader and advocate for Seminole rights in the 1800s; and Noah Billie, a renowned Seminole painter.
“Using your own words, write about a Native American who has had an impactful effect whose story should be shared,” organizers noted. The essay contest is open to all Florida residents attending school in grades 4-12, including students in public, charter, private, home, or virtual settings, and participants must provide a Social Security Number. Each student may submit only one essay.
In addition to student contests, the Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award invites nominations for full-time educators in elementary, middle, or high schools throughout Florida. Nominees can be submitted by principals, teachers, parents, or students, and four winners will be awarded $2,500 each from Volunteer Florida. The award recognizes educators who go above and beyond to teach students about Native American heritage and culture.
All contest entries and nomination forms can be submitted online at www.floridanativeamericanheritage.com or mailed to Volunteer Florida at 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250, Tallahassee, Florida 32308. The submission deadline is 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, November 21, 2025.
These initiatives reflect a broader effort to instill knowledge and appreciation of Florida’s Native American communities among students. By combining creativity, writing, and educational recognition, the contests provide students with meaningful ways to engage with the history, culture, and achievements of Native Americans in Florida. Through these programs, students not only celebrate heritage but also learn the importance of preserving and honoring these stories for future generations.
For more information about contest guidelines, submission procedures, and program details, students, parents, and educators are encouraged to visit www.floridanativeamericanheritage.com. Participation in these contests offers a unique opportunity to celebrate culture, creativity, and education, while recognizing the significant contributions of Native Americans throughout Florida’s history.
The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida hope that students statewide will take advantage of these contests to explore history, express creativity, and honor the remarkable achievements of Florida’s Native American communities during Native American Heritage Month.
