hispanic heritage month essay winners

New York State Senator Monica R. Martinez

Chair, Local Government Committee

( D, WF ) 4th Senate District

Optimum Announces the Winners of its 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest

LongIsland.com

January 19, 2024

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Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Senator Monica R. Martinez North Babylon High School

Optimum’s annual essay contest recognizes and celebrates the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of generations of Hispanic Americans across the country.

“This year’s long-running Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest saw the largest number of student submissions since the contest was first launched over 10 years ago,” said Lisa Gonzalez Anselmo, Chief Diversity Officer at Optimum. “We are thrilled to see such great excitement around the contest and the students’ passion to spotlighting the contributions that the Hispanic American community makes to our everyday lives. We look forward to celebrating with the winners during our recognition events in the coming weeks and to continue supporting and uplifting all the communities we serve.”

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Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest
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Optimum Announces the Winners of its 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest

Optimum, together with co-sponsor TelevisaUnivision, is proud to announce the 2023 winners of its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated each year from September 15 – October 15, Optimum invited students across the company’s 21-state footprint to share in 500 words or less a person, group of people, or cultural experience (TV show, movie, music, app, event) that has helped them connect to Hispanic culture and what it means to them.

The student essay contest ran from Friday, September 15 to Tuesday, October 31 and boasted a total of four Grand Prize scholarships of $3,000. This year’s winners are:

Nydia C. from International High School in Paterson, NJ
Ginelle M. from St. Ignatius School in The Bronx, NY
Citlally D. from North Henderson High School in Hendersonville, NC
Rachel Z. from A&M Consolidated Middle School in College Station, TX

Honorable Mention prizes have also been awarded to a dozen finalists in both the high school and middle school categories. To view the full list of finalists, visit www.Optimum.com/hhm .

(L to R): Optimum’s Samantha Pardal-Jerez, HHM Runner-Up Cameron Bica, New York State Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Vicki Walsh.

(L to R): West Hempstead Secondary School’s Molly Gegerson, Assemblyman Ed Ra, Lilian Ortiz, HHM Runner-Up Henry Ortiz, West Hempstead Secondary School’s Daisy Weinstein, Optimum’s Frank Alleva, Optimum’s Jay Keel, Principal Joseph Pumo.

Optimum is committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. Click here to learn more.

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Optimum Announces the Winners of its 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest

By Chris Boyle Published: January 16 2024

Optimum’s annual essay contest recognizes and celebrates the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of generations of Hispanic Americans across the country.

(L to R): North Babylon High School Principal Dr. Jonathan Klomp, Optimum’s Jay Keel, Optimum’s Samantha Pardal-Jerez, HHM Runner-Up Muskan Malik, School Counselor Kristin Loeffler, NY State Senator Monica Martinez, Director of Guidance Stephen Dombo, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Graham.

The student essay contest ran from Friday, September 15 to Tuesday, October 31 and boasted a total of four Grand Prize scholarships of $3,000. This year’s winners are:

Nydia C. from International High School in Paterson, NJ
Ginelle M. from St. Ignatius School in The Bronx, NY
Citlally D. from North Henderson High School in Hendersonville, NC
Rachel Z. from A&M Consolidated Middle School in College Station, TX

Honorable Mention prizes have also been awarded to a dozen finalists in both the high school and middle school categories. To view the full list of finalists, visit www.Optimum.com/hhm .

Optimum is committed to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. Click here to learn more.

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Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest WInners

Rombout Middle School’s Assistant Principal Amanda Pucino, Rombout Middle School’s Head of International Study Erica Hughes, HHM Runner-up Davia K., Rombout Middle School’s Spanish Teacher Karen DeCandia, Optimum’s Jay Keel, Rombout Middle School’s Principal Brian Soltish.

Optimum, together with co-sponsor TelevisaUnivision, announced the 2023 winners of its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated each year from September 15 – October 15, Optimum invited students across the company’s 21-state footprint to share in 500 words or less a person, group of people, or cultural experience (TV show, movie, music, app, event) that has helped them connect to Hispanic culture and what it means to them.

The student essay contest ran from Friday, September 15 to Tuesday, October 31 and boasted a total of four Grand Prize scholarships of $3,000. This year’s winners are:

• Nydia C. from International High School in Paterson, NJ

• Ginelle M. from St. Ignatius School in The Bronx, NY

• Citlally D. from North Henderson High School in Hendersonville, NC

• Rachel Z. from A&M Consolidated Middle School in College Station, TX

Honorable Mention prizes have also been awarded to a dozen finalists in both the high school and middle school categories. To view the full list of finalists, visit www.Optimum.com/hhm.

Optimum stated it is committed to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.

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2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest

In proud partnership with, about hispanic heritage month.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15.

During this time, the nation celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanics in all areas of society including: scientific discoveries, research, art, music, government, and more!

The day of Sept. 15 is significant because:

It is the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18 respectively.
Columbus Day, which is Oct. 12, falls within this 30-day period.

Congratulations to the 2023 Essay Contest Winners

The district's annual Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest gives students a chance to explore the rich Hispanic heritage right here in Northeast Florida!

The winners of this year's contest are:

Elementary: Kennedi McGriff, Biscayne Elementary School
Middle: Brody Rodriguez, Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School
High: Daniel Kaye, Stanton College Prep

The 2023 winners of the essay contest pose with the Jaguar's mascot during the award ceremony

Eligibility: Open to all students in grades 4 - 12.
Contest Dates: Now - Oct 4, 2023. Submissions are due at 5 PM on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
Grades 4-5: Ms. K. Rodriguez at [email protected]
Grades 6-8: Ms. R. Jernigan at [email protected]
Grades 9-12: Ms. K. Montes-Santiago at [email protected]
Winners: There will be an elementary school winner, middle school winner, and high school winner.
Winners Notified: Friday, Oct. 6, 2023
Awards Ceremony: We are excited to share that we have partnered with the Jaguars Foundation to honor our winners. They will be invited to attend an Awards Ceremony celebrating their achievement at the Jaguar Stadium-EverBank Stadium on Friday, October 13.
The Arts (visual, music, theater, etc.)
Must be one page, written in Spanish or English, typed, and double-spaced with one-inch margins, using 11-point Calibri font.
Must include a title page containing the name of this contest, name of the essay, student name, teacher name, school name, and parent contact information.
Must include a bibliography using MLA or APA format for all sources including interviews. Failure to credit sources is plagiarism and will result in disqualification.
Please read the rubric carefully to understand how your essay will be judged.
Must turn in a signed Media Release form with the essay.

Congratulations to the 2022 winners!

The winners of last year's Hispanic Heritage Essay Month contest were selected on Oct. 18, 2022. They are:

Elementary: Tennyson Haas, West Riverside Elementary School
Middle: Giannina Quinones, Lavilla School of the Arts
High: Sarah Robinson, Riverside High School

Winners of the 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay contest pose with various members of the Jaguars Foundation

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Winners of the Hispanic Heritage Essay Month contest recognize their heroes

Oct. 28, 2022 – Congratulations to the three Team Duval students selected as winners of the district’s annual 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay contest.

Elementary school winner: Tennyson Haas/West Riverside Elementary
Middle school winner: Giannina Quinones/LaVilla School of the Arts
High school winner: Sarah Robinson/Riverside High School.

Each of the students were recognized at a special luncheon this week, sponsored by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Their winning essays were selected among dozens of entries across the district.

Students were asked to submit an essay about a living person of Hispanic heritage from the Jacksonville who has made a significant contribution in medicine, arts, politics, law, education, business, literature, and science.

“I know that my grandmother, she’s a very inspirational person, and she’s done a lot for the Jacksonville community, specifically Jacksonville University,” said Robinson, who was the high school winner.

In her essay, the 11th grader described how her grandmother – affectionately known as “Mama Cruz – dedicated her life to her students in and out of the classroom at Jacksonville University; particularly her work with the Upward Bound program.

Robinson shared her admiration of how Cruz and her family transitioned from Bayamon, Puerto Rico in 1975 to Jacksonville’s northside, becoming one of the first Hispanic families in the area.

“Mama Cruz is “the cornerstone of family and a hidden gem of Jacksonville’s community,” wrote Robinson in her essay. “She has contributed so much of her life to the development of young adults at JU, and on her own street corner.”

Quiones, an eighth grader at LaVilla School of the Arts, wrote an essay about Jacksonville-based ballerina, Dulce Anaya.

Anaya, who was born in Cuba, was accepted into the American Ballet Theatre when she was just 15-years-old, and is credited for founding the Jacksonville Ballet Theatre. In her essay – titled “The Prima Ballerina That Never Stopped Dancing” – Quiones shared how Anaya personally taught her and her sister dance when they were younger.

“She made me laugh, work hard, and even cry sometimes,” wrote Quiones in her essay. “But those moments have saved me so much in life. I have learned many lessons from her, and I am sure many others in the Jacksonville community have too.”

Fifth-grader, Tennyson Haas, wrote about Jacksonville mayoral candidate, LeAnna Gutierrez Cumber.

In her essay, Haas describes Cumber as a “hard worker” who “has dedicated her life to helping others in the community.” Haas describes how Cumber has worked to aid victims of domestic violence, creating a legal clinic for survivors.

“She helped out women a lot, and she owned a small business,” said Haas. “I think that’s really cool, and I want to do that.”

The three winners had the opportunity to read their essays out loud during Thursday’s luncheon.

In its 10 th year, the Hispanic Heritage Month Essay contest is hosted annually by the district’s ESOL Department and sponsored by the Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation.

The students received a box full of Jags swag and tickets to the Jags vs. Raiders on Nov. 6th.

For more information, visit the district’s Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest webpage . Photos from Thursday’s special luncheon are also available.

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Hispanic Heritage Month

Digital illustration of a monarch butterfly perched on a flower.

Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communites beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.

Hispanic Heritage Month provides an additional opportunity to explore the incredible impact Latinas and Latinos have had on the United States for generations. The Latino presence in America spans centuries, predating Spain’s colonization of what is now part of the United States, and they have been an integral part of shaping our nation since the Revolutionary War. Through the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the Treaty of Paris that followed the Mexican-American and Spanish-American wars, the United States gained territories in the Southwest and Puerto Rico. This incorporated the people of this area into the United States and further expanded the presence of Hispanic Americans.

Today, the Latino population in the United States today is over 60 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes up 18.9% of the total population and is the largest racial or ethnic group. Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, scientists, public servants, and much more.

Digital illustration of a woman dancing the bomba and extending her skirt to the sides.

What is the difference between Hispanic and Latino?

Hispanic and Latino are the two most used terms to describe Americans with Latin American and Caribbean ancestry. You may often see these terms used interchangeably, but different people understand and use these terms differently. The National Museum of the American Latino uses the term “Latino” to describe the diverse residents of the United States with cultural or ancestral ties to Latin America or the Caribbean. For many, the term "Latino" also creates room for acknowledging Black, Indigenous, Asian, and other heritages on equal terms with European ancestry. The term “Hispanic” is used to signal a connection to Spain or the Spanish language.

When is Hispanic Heritage Month?

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15. It began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Johnson and was expanded to a month by President Reagan 20 years later in 1988. The month-long celebration provides more time to properly recognize the significant contributions Hispanic/Latino Americans have made in the United States.

Hispanic Heritage Month does not cover one single month but instead begins in the middle of September and ends in the middle of October. The timeframe of this month is significant because many Central American countries celebrate their independence days within these dates, beginning on September 15 with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. By aligning with these independence dates, Hispanic Heritage Month honors the resilience and determination of the Hispanic community. Key Independence Days celebrated within Hispanic Heritage Month include:

September 15 - Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua
September 16 – Mexico
September 18 – Chile
September 21 - Belize

Learn more about the unique Latin Independence Days traditions and celebrations.

Why is Hispanic Heritage Month so Important?

Latinas and Latinos have always held significant roles throughout our country’s history, dating all the way back to the American Revolution. Hispanic Heritage Month is important because it provides an opportunity to celebrate the integral part the Hispanic/Latino community has had in growing and strengthening our democracy. Representation matters. Latinos and Latinas continue to shape our nation as business owners, activists, artists, public servants, and more. From serving in the U.S. military to being champions in the fight for civil rights, Latinas and Latinos remain strong leaders and changemakers. It’s crucial to make sure that the contributions of the Latino community are showcased, and that Latinas and Latinos have a voice. According to 2020 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, one in every four children in the United States is Hispanic/Latino. A recent study found that Latino history is largely left out in high school textbooks that are used across the United States, despite the increasing percentage of Latina and Latino students. This also comes at a time when the economic output of American Latinos would rank fifth in the world if the community were an independent country. As the country continues to increase in diversity, it’s necessary for all citizens to learn more about American Latino experiences to recognize and value the many contributions Latinas and Latinos have made.

Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unique voices and experiences of Hispanic/Latino Americans and recognize their history, journeys, and achievements. Through these celebrations, we can all help to inspire younger generations and bring communities together. Learn more about why and how we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month .

Hispanic Heritage Month also provides opportunities to showcase the cultural influences the Latino community has had on the United States. From entertainment and sports to business and science, Latinas and Latinos enrich our society.

As athletes, Latinas and Latinos have been game changers. For example, over the years, the Latino community has helped to shape America’s favorite pastime— baseball . As of opening day in 2023, about 30 percent of Major League Baseball players are Hispanic/Latino. With the accomplishments of past players like Roberto Clemente and present ones such as Francisco Lindor and Javier Báez leading the way, the sport will continue to evolve.

Latinas have also shaped baseball history , serving as players, broadcasters, and team owners. In the 1990s, Linda Alvarado purchased the Colorado Rockies and made history as the first woman to ever win a bid to buy a team. This purchase also resulted in her becoming the first Hispanic MLB team owner. The contributions of Latinas like Alvarado and others, such as baseball player Margaret "Marge" Villa and sportscaster Jessica Mendoza, have forever transformed the game of baseball.

Explore our online resources to learn more about American Latino experiences and how you can join the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration:

Latino Culture: Learn about the diverse Latino culture and how it has contributed to the society and culture of the United States.
Latin Independence Days : Learn about the different Independence Days across Latin America and how they are celebrated and honored each year.
Latin Food : Explore Latino recipes and learn about special events that Latino dishes are a central part of.
Famous Latinos : Learn about famous Latinos and Latinas who have helped to shape the history and culture of the United States.
Latino Art : Discover Latino artists who have used their unique experiences to help shape American culture through creative forms.
Hispanic Heritage Month Educational Resources : Find all the Hispanic Heritage Month resources you need to teach yourself and others about Hispanic heritage and culture.

Digital illustration of a conga, a tall, narrow drum, and a guitar next to it.

How can I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?

During Hispanic Heritage Month , celebrate by taking the time to learn more about Latino identity and historical legacies that enrich communities and continue to shape our nation.

Celebrate the Work of Key Figures in Latino History

Hispanic Heritage Month offers an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the diversity and resilience of American Latinas and Latinos. Throughout our country’s history, the Latino community has been groundbreaking in shaping U.S. culture and democracy . Latinas and Latinos have been transforming their communities as activists, writers, scientists, entertainers, athletes, military veterans, entrepreneurs, and more. Key figures in Latino history include:

Cesar Chavez – A civil rights activist who was a leader in the fight to improve working and living conditions of farm workers in the United States. Chavez co founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962 alongside Dolores Huerta, which later merged with other unions to become the United Farm Workers of America.

Painted collage of leaders Cesar Chávez, Dolores Huerta, Miguel Hidalgo, José María Morelos, and Emiliano Zapata.

Dr. Ellen Ochoa – Dr. Ochoa became the first Latina to go to space in 1993 as she flew aboard the space shuttle Discovery. She later became the Johnson Space Center’s first Latina director, and her journey continues to inspire many others.

Astronaut Ellen Ochoa in a T-38 jet cockpit during flight training

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor - Born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents, Sotomayor earned degrees from Princeton University and Yale Law School through her determination and discipline. Sotomayor went on to continue demonstrating resiliency and broke boundaries in 2009 as she became the first Latina and third woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States.

Color photo of Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor.

Lin-Manuel Miranda – As the creator and original star of Broadway’s Tony-winning musicals Hamilton and In the Heights, Miranda is a groundbreaking composer, playwright, and actor. The Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning entertainer continues to be active in his support to increase the representation of people of color.

Photograph of Lin-Manuel Miranda in costume for his title role in Hamilton.

Olga E. Custodio – Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Custodio served in the United States Air Force for 24 years and made history as the first Latina US Military pilot.

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Olga Custodio, the first Latina U.S. Air Force pilot, is pictured as a first lieutenant while in flight training.

Carolina Herrera – Inspired by European travels and attendance at fashion shows, Herrera launched a clothing brand in New York in 1981. The fashion designer’s brand continues to be a staple in American culture, known for timeless, stylish pieces.

Carolina Herrera standing and posing for a picture leaning against a set of full body mirrors. Her image is reflected five times.

Sandra Cisneros - A National Medal of the Arts recipient, Cisneros is a leading Latina voice in literature. She is also a pioneer in the industry, in 1995 she became the first Latina to be named a MacArthur Fellow.

A woman (Sandra Cisneros) is sitting down at the front porch of a house with a dog next to her. She is wearing a traditional Mexican folk dress.

Oscar de la Renta - Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Oscar de la Renta went from being a young immigrant to a globally-renowned fashion icon and innovator. De la Renta began his career at a young age, while studying painting in Spain, where he would sketch dresses for extra money in his free time. This work was the beginning of a long, groundbreaking career in fashion which would see de la Renta become the first Dominican to design for a French couture house, have his designs worn by movie stars and first ladies, and launch a clothing brand that would become synonymous with elegance, innovation, and luxury.

Outdoors picture of Oscar de la Renta. Full body shot of De La Renta leaning against decorative garden embellishments.

Learn more about the American Latinas and Latinos who have helped shape our nation.

Along with the innovative pioneers, activists, entrepreneurs, and more listed above, Latino artists have also had a profound impact on our nation’s culture through creative forms like painting, sculpting, acting, and music. As you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, learn more about the creativity and incredible works of Latino artists, such as:

Selena – Also known as the “Queen of Tejano,” Selena became the first Tejano artist to win a Grammy. Despite her untimely end, Selena was instrumental in opening doors for future generations of Latino musicians and her legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans.

Selena Quintanilla performing on stage wearing a black leather jacket, black satin bustier, tight pants and boots.

Roberto Lugo – Known for crafting ceramics with a modern, hip-hop style twist, Lugo’s works showcase themes of poverty, inequality, and racial injustice.

Colorful vase made of glazed stoneware with enamel paint and luster.

Gina Rodriguez - A Golden Globe winner, Rodriguez continues to be a strong voice for the Latino community through her work and philanthropic efforts.

Ana Mendieta - Mendieta is a Cuban American performance artist who created a range of innovative works that were often inspired by her experience of exile and displacement. Through photography, film, drawing, performance art, and more, Mendieta’s work was transformational and captivated audiences.

Still image of the face of Ana Mendieta. Her eyes are closed.

Willie Colón – Often recognized for his skilled trombone playing, Colón is a pioneer of the American Salsa music style. The talented musician is a composer, arranger, singer, and much more. He draws from many different cultures and styles to create his signature sound.

Portraiit of young Willie Colón standing sideways and looking at the camera. He is wearing a collar shirt and a blazer.

Judith "Judy" Baca – Baca uses her art as a tool to empower communities. Through murals, monuments, paintings, sculptures, and more, she tells the stories of people who have often been excluded from the retellings of U.S. history.

Illustration of Judy Baca holding a large paintbrush in front of a mural.

Helen Rodríguez-Trías - Advocate Rodriguez-Trías fought for women and children to have increased access to healthcare and for the abolishment of forced sterilization. Through her career she broke many boundaries, and served as the American Public Health Association’s first Latina president.

Illustration of Helen Rodríguez-Trías wearing a doctor’s coat and stethoscope.

Andy García - A Cuban American actor, García has fought for improved representation of Latinos in the entertainment industry.

Celia Cruz - Referred to as the “Queen of Salsa,” Cruz was an instrumental part in growing the popularity of salsa music, and her wide fan base helped to shine a spotlight on Latino music in the United States. Throughout her career, Cruz received many honors, including the President's National Medal of Arts. At the 2016 Grammys, Cruz was given a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award.

Celia Cruz wearing a yellow rumba dress with ruffles and wide sleeves. Her arms are outstretched. Behind her there are palm trees.

Learn more about the influential works from Latina and Latino artists.

Food & Recipes

Latino food has had a strong presence and influence in the United States throughout our country’s history. From special events like Día de Muertos/Day of the Dead to quinceañera celebrations, Latino food traditions have long inspired American cuisine. With a rich blend of core ingredients like corn, meat, beans, and rice, the diverse flavors of traditional Latino food continue to be popular across the world. These traditional foods include:

Tequeños – These Venezuelan fried cheese sticks make tasty appetizers or snacks.
Suspiro a la limeña – This caramel meringue pudding is a popular Peruvian dessert.
Hallaca – A popular holiday dish that consists of cornmeal dough stuffed with stewed meat and other ingredients, such as olives, raisins, and capers.
Arroz con pollo – This dish consists of variations that include seasoned chicken and rice.
Empanadas - These pastries can be stuffed with a variety of ingredients, including beef, chicken, cheese, and vegetables.
Pozole - Made from hominy with meat and seasonings, Pozole is a traditional Mexican stew.
Tostones - Tostones are sliced, unripe plantains that have been fried.
Milanesa - A thin meat cutlet that is breaded and fried.
Brigadeiros - This traditional Brazilian dessert consists of sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, chocolate, and butter.
Dulce de leche - Popular in desserts, dulce de leche is a caramel-like sauce made from milk and sugar.
Pabellón criollo – Recognized as the national dish of Venezuela, pabellón criollo is traditionally made with shredded beef, rice, beans, and “tajadas” – fried plantains.

As you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, try cooking some traditional dishes to learn more about Hispanic cuisine and culture. Invite family and friends to join you as you explore the diverse flavors of Latino food with these recipes:

Salvadoran Pupusas - This traditional dish is made of thick corn tortillas and stuffed with savory foods like cheese, pork, and beans.
Venezuelan Arepas - Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a staple in Venezuelan cuisine. Arepas are grilled corn cakes that are often stuffed with different fillings, such as cheese, meat, eggs, or beans. This versatile food is a great dish for any meal.
Argentinean Chimichurri - Add some authentic chimichurri to your next meal! Traditionally used on grilled meat, chimichurri is a versatile sauce consisting of ingredients like parsley, oregano, garlic, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.

If you’d like to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month without the work of cooking, consider dining out. The growth of Latino culinary options in the United States has helped to increase the popularity of Latino cuisine. Learn more about the influence of Latino food in the United States.

Events & Celebrations

Join in on the celebration during Hispanic Heritage Month and learn more about the history, culture, and achievements of the Hispanic/Latino community. During this time, many museums and cultural institutions host special exhibitions and programs you can attend to learn more about the American Latino experience. Many of these can also be viewed virtually. You should also check out events happening in your local city. During Hispanic Heritage Month, many cities will host concerts, parades, runs, festivals, art exhibits, and more in celebration.

You can also celebrate by watching awards shows that honor the many accomplishments of Latinas and Latinos and their contributions to our nation’s history.

There are many ways you can show your support for the Latino community. For example, you can research influential Latino leaders, read books written by Latino authors, cook traditional Latino recipes, watch films that feature Hispanic/latino actors and directors, participate in a community service project that benefits the Latino community, learn traditional Latin American dances, and more.

Celebrations do not need to be limited to Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout the year, there are many resources and events that can help you to learn more about the Latino community. Explore activities in your state to discover events and programs like art exhibits, workshops, lectures, performances, food festivals, film festivals, and parades to show your support. See the upcoming events and exhibitions at the National Museum of the American Latino .

Educator Resources

Hispanic Heritage Month is an excellent time to learn more about the history and contributions of the Latino community. There are many teaching and learning resources that can be used to celebrate and explore during Hispanic Heritage Month, including:

National Museum of the American Latino’s Teaching and Learning Resources - View the National Museum of the American Latino’s educational resources.
National Museum of the American Latino’s Family and Public Programs - Discover programs and events you can learn more about to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States - Explore the historical legacies, immigration stories, identity, and cultural influences of the Latino community in this online exhibit.
Smithsonian Institution Hispanic Heritage Month Events and Resources – Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the Smithsonian Institution! Learn about related events, resources, exhibitions, and podcasts.
American Women’s History Museum’s Featured Latinas – Learn about some of the remarkable Latinas who have helped shape our nation.
¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues - Examine how the talent and experiences of Latinas and Latinos in the game of baseball have helped to shape the sport.
The National Postal Museum’s Virtual Exhibit on Celebrating Hispanic Heritage - Learn about some of the contributions of Hispanic people, places, and events as they have been commemorated through the American postage stamp.
National Hispanic Heritage Month Website - Explore Hispanic Heritage Month resources and events from the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Library of Congress's Hispanic Reading Room - Learn about this resource for researching the geographical areas of the Caribbean, Latin America, Spain, and Portugal.

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Hispanic Heritage essay contest winners…

Breaking News

Teen accused of role in norristown robbery and gunshot slaying wants case moved to juvenile court, latest headlines, hispanic heritage essay contest winners announced in pottstown, both are pottstown high school students.

POTTSTOWN — Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos held an awards dinner at Chili’s for the winners of the 2021-2022 Hispanic Heritage essay contest on Saturday, May 14.

The winners are Yasmin Paez and Miranda Pineda. Both attend Pottstown High School.

Each winner received $100. Based on the national theme set by the Washington, D.C., National Council of Hispanic Employment Managers, the topic for the 2021-2022 contest was “Esperanza” or “Hope” in English.

In “A Hopeful Potluck Dinner,” Paez described dinner with plates of food reflecting the home countries and cultures of her parents.

CCLU Executive Director Rita Paez, CCLU Board President Edie Shean-Hammond, Miranda's brother Oliver Pineda. Miranda Pineda, Miranda's sister Catherine Pineda.(Submitted Photo)

A freshman, Pineda submitted a profound essay entitled, “Growing Up Different.” Peneda described her self-awareness being different from her peers and her struggle to overcome that difference.

Located at 301 King St., Pottstown, Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos (CCLU) bridges American and Latino cultures in the greater Pottstown Area, and connects families with needed educational, recreational, legal and health services. CCLU will hold the 2022-2023 Essay Contest beginning in September during Hispanic Heritage Month. Details will be forthcoming.

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STUDENT CONTESTS

GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS’ AND FIRST LADY CASEY DESANTIS’ HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH ART AND ESSAY CONTESTS

Art contest.

(Grades K-3)

Governor Ron DeSantis’ and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest is open to all K-3 students in the state of Florida.

Entry Dates: Entries must be mailed to Volunteer Florida: Hispanic Heritage Month Committee, 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250, Tallahassee, FL 32308. All entries must be received no later than 5 pm ET on Monday, September 18, 2023. Emailed, scanned, or faxed entries will not be accepted. Contestants are responsible for all shipping costs.

Awards: Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $100 school supplies gift card and a 1-year pass to Florida State Parks. Once the winners are announced, the decision is final.

Art Contest Guidelines 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest Rules, Guidelines & Waiver Form (.PDF) – ENGLISH

2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Art Contest Rules, Guidelines & Waiver Form (.PDF) – SPANISH

Essay Contest

(Grades 4-5, 6-8, 9-12)

Governor Ron DeSantis’ and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest is open to all students attending any Florida school in grades 4-12 (public, charter, private, home or virtual). 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 $100 gift card for school supplies.

Entry Dates: Entries can be mailed to Volunteer Florida, Hispanic Heritage Month Committee, 1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250, Tallahassee, FL 32308, or submitted electronically through the online submission form. All entries must be received no later than 5 pm ET on Monday, September 18, 2023. Emailed, scanned, or faxed entries will not be accepted. Contestants are responsible for all shipping costs. Entries submitted electronically will receive email confirmation.

Awards: Each winner will receive a 2–Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $100 gift card for school supplies. Once the winners are announced, the decision is final.

Contact Volunteer Florida at (850) 414-7400 for any further questions.

Online Submission 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest Online Submission

Paper Submission 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest Rules, Guidelines & Waiver Form (.PDF) – ENGLISH

2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest Rules, Guidelines & Waiver Form (.PDF) – SPANISH

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First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces 2020 Hispanic Heritage Month Student, Teacher Contest Winners

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the Hispanic Heritage Month student contest winners and Excellence in Education Award recipients. This year’s theme was “Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida.” Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year in Florida from September 15 through October 15.

“Students from across the state created incredible essay and art submissions to celebrate the accomplishments of Hispanic Americans who call Florida home,” said First Lady DeSantis . “The lasting influence of key figures commemorated – from public servants to educators to frontline health care workers – show that Hispanic Americans continue to make a mark on our great state. Congratulations to the winners! The Governor and I thank those committed to telling the stories of our state’s Hispanic communities and their culture.”

“I join the Governor and First Lady in highlighting extraordinarily gifted young Floridians as well as teachers committed to inspiring our students to learn about the diversity of Hispanic culture,” said Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez . “Our children are our future, and it is promising to see the talent presented in the entries this year in celebration of Hispanic Americans in Florida.”

“Florida has been enriched by the many contributions made by our Hispanic community and we treasure the opportunity to highlight their achievements,” said Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “This year, we take pride in heralding those who have given us much to celebrate in our local communities and should be acknowledged as we honor the legacy of the many through Hispanic Heritage Month. Congratulations to the winners of the art and essay contests, their work represents the countless contributions Florida’s Hispanic community has made to our great state.”

“Art can be a message or a vehicle by which an artist tells a story, evokes a feeling or shares a moment in time,” said Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee, Florida’s Chief Cultural Officer. “Whether that art is a vibrant, visual representation of those stories and feeling, or a creatively written work that weaves together emotion and words, I’m proud of all the students who celebrated the untold stories and contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida in our state’s history. I’m grateful to our First Lady for recognizing these talented young artists and ensuring these vibrant contributions of art and culture will continue for future generations.”

“With their vibrant culture and unique talents and skills, Hispanic Americans have contributed greatly to Florida’s rich history,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Corey Simon . “Thank you, Governor and First Lady DeSantis for hosting this year’s contests which honor and celebrate the contributions of Hispanic Americans across the Sunshine State.”

Award recipients are as follows:

The following student essay contest winners – one elementary, one middle and one high school student – earned a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

Student Essay Contest Winners

Lucille Procaccino, Shorecrest Preparatory School, Pinellas County

Lucille detailed what an inspirational influence her tennis coach, Jorge, has been in her life. Originally from Bolivia, Jorge is a kind and patient person who helps so many in their community whether it is on or off the tennis court.

Jackson Breeden, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, Brevard County

Jackson’s essay, titled “Maria Mestre de los Dolores Andreu Lit the Way”, highlights how Florida’s first female Hispanic American member of the U.S. Coast Guard and first female St. Augustine lightkeeper paved the way in a position typically not held by women at that point in history.

Sophie Penafiel, TERRA Environmental Research Institute, Miami-Dade County

Sophie featured Operation Pedro Pan, the mass exodus of over 14,000 unaccompanied Cuban minors to the United States in the early 1960s. Her essay focused on Juan F. Pedro who immigrated to the U.S. through Operation Pedro Pan and is now a business owner in Miami.

Student Art Contest Winners

Violet Baltz, Sunlake Academy of Math & Science, Hillsborough County

Violet is a kindergartener who drew a picture she titled “Our Heritage.”

Eden Mejia, Florida Virtual School, Orange County

Eden is a first grader who drew a picture she titled “Notable Hispanic Floridians” depicting prominent Floridians such as United States Circuit Judge Barbara Lagoa and Olympic swimmer Maritza Correia McClendon.

Julian Sanchez, Indian Trace Elementary School, Broward County

Julian is a second grader who drew a picture he titled “Mi Abuelo: Jose Maria Prieto Codina.”

Giahna Padilla, Marsh Pointe Elementary, Palm Beach County

Giahna is a third grader who drew a picture she titled “Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida” depicting health care professionals, teachers, first responders, and other key careers.

First Lady Casey DeSantis also honored three outstanding educators with the Excellence in Education Award. The recipients were nominated by students and peers.

Excellence in Education Award Winners

Lorraine Fernandez, Claywell Elementary School, Hillsborough County

Working as a tireless advocate for her school’s English language learners and their families, Lorraine spearheads Hispanic Heritage Month activities at her school to help enrich students allowing them to learn more about Hispanic culture. Her efforts include creating colorful displays and allowing students to experience Hispanic performances by storytellers, Flamenco dancers, and guitarists.

Celia Taylor, Seminole Middle School, Broward County

Celia Taylor created an English as a Second Language (ESOL) wing in the media center at Seminole Middle School. There, she works with English language learners, assisting them with online language programs, translating assignments for them and empowering students to become bilingual.

Libna Sierra, Master’s Academy of Vero Beach, Indian River County

Originally from Campeche, Mexico, Libna enjoys sharing her heritage and culture with students so that they can appreciate the Spanish language and culture. Not only does Libna contribute to Master’s Academy of Vero Beach as a Spanish and Technology teacher, but she volunteers in the community to assist Hispanic families.

To learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month, visit www.FloridaHispanicHeritage.com .

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Hispanic Heritage Month Winners Announced

February 7, 2017

Erin VanSickle 850-339-3184

Tallahassee, Fla. – Volunteer Florida is proud to announce the following winners of the Governor’s 2016 Hispanic Heritage Month art, essay, and educator awards. The awards were presented to recipients at the Governor’s Mansion this week. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year in Florida from September 15-October 15; the 2016 event honoring awardees was postponed due to Hurricane Matthew.

Governor Scott said, “My wife Ann and I were honored to join Volunteer Florida in recognizing the many great students and teachers who participated in last year’s Hispanic Heritage Month contest. We are proud of our diverse and vibrant state and these winners and their projects represent the countless contributions Hispanic individuals and families have made to our communities.”

Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Chester Spellman said, “It is an honor to join Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott to present awards to these outstanding educators, artists, and students. We are grateful for the many partners who made the recognition event possible – particularly the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, which provided three, 4-year Florida College Plan scholarships. Volunteer Florida was also thrilled to present the Champion of Service to a college student and service leader.”

Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “I was honored to join Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott in recognizing the 2016 Hispanic Heritage Month student contest winners and Excellence in Education educator award recipients. Hispanic Americans have contributed greatly to Florida’s rich history. I commend the student participants for taking this opportunity to learn more about Hispanic American heroes, past and present, and to celebrate the hard-working educators who share those contributions and inspire our state’s students.”

Secretary of State Ken Detzner said, “I heartily congratulate the winners of Governor Rick Scott’s student art and essay contests, as well as the educator recipient of Excellence in Education award. The Governor’s art and essay contests inspire students to learn about and honor Florida’s Hispanic heritage and then to translate that rich history into visual arts and creative writing in honor of Hispanic American heroes. As Florida’s Chief Cultural Officer, I am privileged to celebrate the talents of these remarkable educators and student artists.”

The 2016 Florida Hispanic Heritage Month theme was “Honoring Hispanic American Heroes” in recognition of those who have protected Florida’s communities and families. Award recipients are as follows:

Essay winners: Elementary school category: Ailanie Sanchez Fourth grade, San Jose Catholic School, Duval County

Middle school category: Madilynn Vidal Sixth grade, Southwood Middle School, Miami-Dade County

High school category: Cristian Ramos Eleventh grade, Manatee School for the Arts, Manatee County

Excellence in Education Award winners: Elementary school category: Rossana Chiarella, Palm Springs North Elementary, Miami-Dade County

Middle school category: Carla Ford, St. Luke’s Lutheran School, Seminole County

High school category: Mirelys (Mindy) Goode, Pine Ridge High School, Volusia County

Student art contest winners: Karla Angelina Valencia-Gonzalez, first grade, John Walker Elementary, Seminole County Title of art: “Honoring Hispanic Heroes”

Victoria Grace Sanchez, third grade, St. Theresa School, Miami-Dade County Title of art: “A Celebration of Hispanic American Heroes: Veterans, Military, Law Enforcement and First Responders”

Abraham Cadaval, third grade, Coral Reef Elementary, Miami-Dade County Title of art: “Just in Time”

Volunteer Florida also recognized Champion of Service Donavan Ebersole, a sophomore at Chipola College. Donavan serves as a tutor at Chipola’s Academic Center of Excellence and recently created a Science Day at Chipola College for over 70 area high school students.

Volunteer Florida is grateful for the generous support of the following sponsors:

Florida Prepaid College Foundation
Florida Blue
Florida Power and Light
Florida Lottery
Sunshine Health
Maritza Rovira-Forino Family

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HISPANIC HERITAGE ESSAY WINNERS

Each October, as part of the Hispanic Heritage celebration, students are invited to compete in the Hispanic Heritage essay contest. The winners were recognized at a ceremony Oct. 22 in the School Board Auditorium Room at the Raymond O. Shelton School Administrative Center. Winners in Category 1, Grades 6-8, were Bismark J. Manes Jr., first place; Lisa Lewis, second; Joe Williamson, third, and David Powell, honorable mention. In Category 2, Grades 9-12, the winners were Gillian Folkes, first; Jeannine Butler, second; Andrea Sullenfuss, third, and Laurie A. Fernandez, honorable mention. In the Spanish only Category 3, Grades 9-12 contest, Julian A. Mayor took first place; Felisa Insignares, second; Rocio Martinez, third, and Ivan Vazquez, honorable mention. The first place essay in each category is reprinted below.

Bismarck J. Manes Jr.

Pierce Junior High School

eighth grade

first-place winner _ Category I, grades 6 through 8

When people think of Hispanics, they usually picture dark-skinned, Spanish-speaking, dark-haired people that work at the local factory. Or, they might think of farmers that carry around machetes and grow bananas or yucca. These days that is not true, though some still stereotype us like that.

In the '90s, Hispanics are becoming doctors, entertainers, scientists, astronauts and politicians. By the year 2020, we will become the largest cultural minority in the United States. In this report, I want to show others what Hispanics have become over the past 500 years, and also I am hoping to educate myself by learning a little bit more about my history and roots.

Though I wasn't born there, I am Cuban, both in heritage and at heart. And with this I begin my essay, hoping that with the following paragraphs people will learn about Hispanics and what they never knew before.

Over the past 500 years, many Hispanics have come to America to seek fortune, adventures, or just to settle here and have a family. In fact, a Hispanic actually discovered America. Well, to tell the truth, he was really an Italian who sailed for Spain and claimed America for the Spaniards. Twenty-one years later, another Spaniard came to America in search of the Fountain of Youth. This conquistador was Ponce de Leon, who declared the area we now call Florida for Spain.

Succeeding de Leon was Hernando de Soto. De Soto and his crew explored the uncharted west coast of Florida for a legendary rich empire, which was believed to exist somewhere in the wilderness. We can now see that Hispanics were the first people, other than the Indians, in America. Later, other Hispanics from Mexico, Puerto Rico and Cuba began to immigrate to the New World. This was the beginning of a large and growing cultural group.

It is important to know of Hispanic heritage because of their many contributions to the history, people, places and culture of America. It is important to know that not all Hispanics are alike. Though they all mostly have the same language, they are very different. Among Hispanics, many have their own unique heritage (white, black, Indian . . .), religion (Jewish, Catholic and African . . .), and social structure (dress, myth and holidays . . .).

Of the many different Hispanic groups, there are three that stand out. Mexicans are the largest and oldest of the three. The Mexicans have been here for over four centuries. Puerto Ricans make up the second largest class. These Hispanics started to immigrate here in 1898, when they became American territory. Cubans are the third largest group. Together, there are 22.4-million Hispanics, the fastest growing minority in America.

Throughout history, there have been many famous Hispanics in many fields. From politicians to movie stars, all have worked hard to make a name for themselves and their people. One of these heroes was Jose Marti, a poet and activist for Cuba's liberation from Spain. He helped mobilize Cuban exiles in the United States, organized the Cuban Revolutionary Party in New York, and campaigned for U.S. support of Cuban freedom, while living here in the Tampa Bay area in the famous Ybor City. Admiral David G. Farragut is one of the most recognized, earning many medals for his bravery in the War of 1812. John Ortega and Philip Bazaar both received Medals of Honor for their contributions in the Civil War.

Today, Hispanics are valuable contributors to the Armed Forces of the future. There are also Hispanics fighting in another war as politicians. In 1988, Lauro Cavazos became the first Hispanic Secretary of Education and Katherine Ortega became U.S. Treasurer. Most popularly known here in the Tampa Bay area is our Bob Martinez, ex-governor of Florida. Hispanics are also making extreme contributions in the field of science. Dr. Franklin Chang-Diaz, an immigrant from Costa Rica, flew aboard the space shuttle Columbia in 1986. Luis W. Alvarez was awarded the Nobel Prize for his work with subatomic particles.

Most people have probably never heard of many of these brilliant scientists, but the following entertainers are known across the country, young or old. Many television and movie stars are Hispanics, from Edward James Olmos to Emilio Estevez, and many others. These actors have changed many Hispanic stereotypes. Another famous character trait of Hispanics is their beat and rhythm in their fast-moving and distinct music. A famous Cuban group is the Miami Sound Machine, who have brought this style of music into English. Examples would be "salsa," the "merengue," and even "disco." Sports, especially baseball, has been another area where Hispanics have been famous. Baseball's Roberto Clemente, a triple crown winner, was born in Puerto Rico. In golf, the famous sword swing Chi Chi Rodriguez, also Puerto Rican, spends time after golf helping needy children.

For 500 years, Hispanics have contributed to the development of American culture. Their influence was seen since the very first Hispanic set foot on American soil and will establish itself for many years to come. Most importantly, all Hispanics will have a part in this grand mixture of cultures, from the rich corporate raider on Wallstreet to my father who swam to the American Naval Base on Guantanamo Bay in Cuba so he could come to America and be free. Finally, I hope the next time someone thinks of Hispanic people, they will not think of Cuban bread or cigars, but what Hispanics truly are _ people.

Julian A. Mayor

Gaither High School

first-place winner _ Category III, grades 9-12, originally written in Spanish

When you think of leadership, the first thing that comes to mind is a personage. But when you refer to all that Hispanic leadership has contributed to the community in Florida, you can't isolate just one person. The history regarding Hispanic leadership comes from many years ago _ almost 500 years _ when the Spanish explorers established themselves in Florida. Since then, the Hispanics' contribution in Florida has been great achievement. Today's leaders are citizens that work arduously to realize their dreams and serve as examples to their families and to all Hispanics that fight to reach a goal.

The first expedition to set foot in the United States was directed by Ponce de Leon in 1513, who accompanied Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the New World. In April 1513, Ponce de Leon disembarked on the San Juan River and claimed it in the name of Spain; giving it the name of "Florida" for its beautiful vegetation and in honor of Easter. Among other Spanish explorers we have Panfilo de Narvaez, Hernando de Soto, and Pedro Menendez de Aviles, who founded St. Augustine in 1565. All of our ancestors successfully served to establish a great influence in Florida. Their successors brought with them the same traditions, the Spanish language and institutions that have formed part of the social and physical structure of Florida.

The Hispanics that are arriving in Florida today, in a certain sense, come searching for the same treasure that their ancestors searched for. They decided to leave their countries, family and culture to establish themselves in a country with a different language and customs. Some Hispanics have suffered from discrimination, but on the other hand, many have overcome barriers and have succeeded in realizing set goals. The Latin Chamber of Commerce in the United States reports that the number of Hispanics that have business affairs in Florida has increased 200 percent.

Today, we count on Hispanics that hold positions in almost all professions. All of this Latin growth has generated a new market that has called the attention of those in the United States. Public relations and marketing agencies have conducted studies in the past years that try to find out more about Latin tastes, how they shop and what they are like. These companies want to know more about our customs, and more than anything, how to sell us these products. Hispanic business magazines have calculated that the money invested into advertising in Spanish had increased from $170-million in 1982 to almost $400-million in 1986. Also, they have organized bilingual education programs where teaching is done in both languages in the same way for English-speaking children as for Spanish-speaking children. Many politicians have been elected by Hispanic votes. This is why, during budgeting, members of Congress get together with Hispanic leaders to search for the necessary help for bilingual education programs.

The Cuban community is a group of Hispanics that has helped revitalize the state of Florida. This has been demonstrated in Miami, which was a city for Northerners and whose economy was in decline. But when the Cuban revolution began and the Cuban immigrants came to Miami, a new revolution began in this city. From being a city without much progress, it was turned into a city with much political strength among Hispanics. Miami elected its first Hispanic-American mayor in 1985 _ Xavier Suarez.

Hispanics are encountered in all social levels, performing diverse occupations that range from executives in the banking industry to agriculture. Newspapers, magazines and television in Spanish has made it so that Latins are heard in Florida. One of the most significant things is that Florida has come to be the center of activities of international negotiations for Latin Americans. Hispanics in Florida are people with a lot of talent. They have helped to structure this country as much in the past as the present, and they continue like architects of the great Floridian culture. It's for this reason that all should be considered leaders.

Gillian Folkes

Ben Hull Junior High School

ninth grade

first-place winner _ Category II, grades 9 through 12

The continuing process of Hispanic leadership in Florida has existed for more than 500 years. Since early April of 1513, when Juan Ponce de Leon first claimed Florida for Spain, Hispanic leadership has flourished and intensified in the state of Florida. It has greatly influenced not only our history, but also our language and culture as well.

You could call Ponce de Leon one of the most influential Hispanics in the history of Florida. He was first sent, by Spain, to the New World in search of gold and silver. Ponce de Leon was also seeking the famous Fountain of Youth. He found none of these items, but he did stumble upon a very great treasure: Florida. He claimed the land for Spain, and named it Florida, meaning "land of the flowers." He became the first governor of the state. Though our land lacked gold, silver or the Fountain of Youth, Ponce de Leon found a definite advantage in conquering this beautiful land. It was a wonderful plot of land to command the military.

With Florida under their control, Spain could easily protect her ships from outside forces. They could also use Florida as a headquarters for pirating ships and people known as "reef wreckers," who would wait for a ship to wreck off the coast of Florida and plunder the wrecked vessel. Although Ponce de Leon had a very positive effect on our history by discovering Florida, it cost him his life. When first claiming the land for Spain, he killed many Indians, but ironically it was the natives that finally took his life.

The Hispanic influence on business started with Ponce de Leon transporting Andalusian cows from Spain to Florida, where they mixed with local scrub cattle to mark the beginning of our plentiful cattle industry. One major aspect of Florida's agriculture was affected greatly by the Hispanics. In 1809, immigrants came to Florida bearing citrus seeds from Cuba. This was the start of Florida's citrus industry. On a more local level, we benefitted tremendously in Tampa, when the cigar industry fled from South Florida to Ybor City, because of a destructive hurricane. This fateful change of address caused many Hispanics, from both Spain and Cuba, to migrate to the Tampa area where they filled newly created jobs in the cigar factories. Over the years, the Hispanic influence on our economy has not stayed concentrated in specific fields, but has spread to almost every occupation imaginable.

Hispanic influence on architecture in Florida is obvious. Buildings with stucco facades, clay tile roofs, graceful arches, delicate wrought-iron adornments, and glazed tile murals, all display Hispanic heritage. A prime example of this is Seventh Avenue in Ybor City.

We are not only extremely thankful for our prospering citrus and cattle industries, but also for the diversity of food here in Florida. From small diners and Cuban sandwich shops to the elegance of our nationally recognized Spanish restaurants, we truly taste Hispanic culture. Even our supermarkets in Florida carry Hispanic foods; everything from yellow rice, yucca and plantains, to guava shells and black beans.

Artistically, the Hispanic influence in Florida is seen in art, music, dancing and clothing. In respect to art, we are very fortunate to have, here in the bay area, the Salvador Dali Museum. Musically, there are many Hispanic radio stations in Florida. In Tampa, we have the Spanish Lyric Theater which performs adaptations of the classics. Additionally, we enjoy the opportunity of experiencing Flamenco dancing, performed by dancers who are not only known locally but on a national level as well.

In reference to ethnic clothing, the men of this state have the comfortable option of wearing the traditional guayabera, or heavily embroidered, loose shirts worn on the outside of the pants. The Latin Fiesta Queen perpetuates the wearing of the traditional tall lace headdress, or mantilla. Finally, there are many Hispanic holidays and festivals celebrated in Florida, such as the Hernando DeSoto Festival and Gasparilla, which were inspired by early Hispanic explorers and stories of pirates in our history.

Hispanic influences show in the language of Florida, more than anything else. Throughout the state many geographical locations have Hispanic names such as counties, cities and bodies of water. Anywhere you go in Florida, you either see or hear Spanish. From billboards and advertisements to a great deal of our Spanish-speaking population, our state is engulfed in the Spanish language. So much so, that Spanish is often used alongside English although it is not Florida's official language. This is due to the large number of bilingual people.

When Spain first colonized Florida, the Spanish brought with them not only a wonderful culture, but also the first ideals of social justice. The first colonists tried to educate the native Indians and make them literate. They also helped spread Catholicism to the New World. You can stll observe this humanitarian attitude in present times. There are many Hispanic politicians working to aid society, not only on local levels of government, but also on state and national levels. Bob Martinez serves as a perfect example of a Hispanic political leader in Florida. He started as our city's mayor, then governor, and now serves as the country's head of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

When talking about any part of our culture here in Florida, it seems that the "land of flowers" has definitely prospered and flourished because of great Hispanic leadership. Ponce de Leon began the course of action that continues to enrich and benefit the historic state of Florida.

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U.S. Officials Order Better Tracking of a Political Flashpoint: America’s Diversity

New survey questions in federal forms will draw a more detailed portrait of racial and ethnic origins. Officials point to the benefits, but the changes could face a conservative backlash.

People enjoying a sunset with the Statue of Liberty in the distance.

By Michael Wines

The Biden administration ordered changes to a range of federal surveys on Thursday to gather more detailed information about the nation’s ethnic and racial makeup.

The changes — the first in decades to standard questions that the government asks about race and ethnicity — would produce by far the most detailed portrait of the nation’s ancestral palette ever compiled. And a new option will be available for the first time allowing respondents to identify as part of a new category, Middle Eastern or North African ancestry.

But the changes also have the potential to rankle conservatives who believe that the nation’s focus on diversity has already gone too far.

No Box to Check: When the Census Doesn’t Reflect You

Most people of Middle Eastern and North African descent are classified as “white” in U.S. census data. Thousands of respondents to a Times survey told us how they actually identify.

The revisions, released after 21 months of study and public comment, apply not just to the Census Bureau, but across the government, to forms as varied as the National Center for Health Statistics’ National Health Interview Survey and applications for Social Security cards. They take effect this month, but federal agencies will be allowed years to fully implement them.

Current surveys contain a separate option for people of ethnic Hispanic and Latino descent to claim that identity, followed by another question that offers multiple options for respondents to choose one or more races.

The changes consolidate those questions so that respondents may select any or all of seven racial and ethnicity categories that apply to them, including Hispanic or Latino ancestry.

Those seven choices would also include the new option allowing respondents to register Middle Eastern or North African ancestry. The Census Bureau estimates that about 3.5 million people fall into that category, all of whom are currently classified as white. But many do not see themselves that way, as an informal survey by The New York Times of about 5,300 U.S. residents with that heritage showed last month.

Even after selecting racial and ethnic identities, respondents would be able to dive deeply into their own backgrounds, choosing as many or as few sub-classifications as they liked from suggested nationalities, like German or Lebanese. People who found those insufficient would be able to write in still other nationalities or ethnicities.

American censuses have gathered personal information since the 1790s, but since 1977, surveys have specifically tracked basic race and ethnicity characteristics, originally to help enforce 1960s-era civil- and voting-rights laws. Save for one modification in 1997, the questions have remained largely unchanged until now.

Officials of the Office of Management and Budget, which oversaw the review of the current survey questions, said the changes were needed in part to make surveys more accurate. For example, respondents who separately identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino in the current surveys frequently overlooked choosing a racial identification in the questions that followed, something that may happen less often when all questions are consolidated in a single section.

The changes also are also expected to allow experts to better measure how various populations benefit from federal programs and services in areas like employment, health and education, they said.

An American Puzzle: Fitting Race in a Box

Census categories for race and ethnicity have shaped how the nation sees itself. Here’s how they have changed over the last 230 years.

The new questions build in part on the 2020 census, which gave white and African American respondents an option for the first time to write in additional ancestral information should they choose. To experts’ surprise, the number of respondents who were identified as having more than one race was second only to the number who identified as white.

When the Census Bureau’s Scientific Advisory Committee reviewed a draft of the latest changes in March 2023 , one demographer, Rogelio Sáenz of the University of Texas at San Antonio, called the 2020 results “a wake-up call about what is going on in terms of the increasing racial and ethnic diversity of our nation’s population.”

“Our world has changed tremendously with respect to racial and ethnic matters,” he said. “And at the same time, our methodologies, our instruments have remained quite stable.”

Others say, however, that the ever-finer sorting of people into racial and ethnic silos will only further fragment a deeply split nation.

“Classification of people according to a completely arbitrary standard just creates anxiety, animosity, and division,” one of the more than 20,000 public comments on the 2023 draft proposal stated. “It divides the people, and the nation. It is time to stop it, rather than expand it even further.”

Wrote another: “The more we reinforce our self-defined divisions, the less likely we are to work together. Stop. Just stop.”

The changes hardly come at the spur of the moment. Experts have studied them since the middle of the last decade, and beyond the thousands of public comments, the Office of Management and Budget consulted 35 other federal agencies and a host of sociologists and demographers, among others, for advice.

Those who broadly support the new questions — academics, civil liberties advocates and racial and ethnic interest groups among them — say they would promote greater fairness in schools, housing, hiring and other aspects of society where census data is used.

Arab Americans, in particular, have lobbied for years to be recognized in federal surveys and have pushed hard for the adoption of the new classification for people of Middle Eastern and North African origin. Among other things, advocates say, data from the new category would help in prosecuting hate crimes and civil-rights violations against Arab Americans.

“We know that these groups experience voter suppression, discriminatory policing, inequitable access to government programs and services,” one supporter of the new category wrote in a public comment last year. “But they cannot tell the stories because these groups are considered as ‘White.’”

Critics note, however, that the proposed category for Middle Eastern and North African residents is not an ethnic or racial construct, but a geographic one that includes non-Arab nations like Israel and Iran, and ancestries like Kurdish.

“We’re creating a category for MENA” — the acronym for Middle Eastern and North African — “and making Hispanic effectively a race,” Mike Gonzalez, a senior fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, said in an interview. “We’re creating categories for grievance mongering. We need less of this in America, not more.”

One indicator of the fraught politics surrounding the survey questions: The Obama administration considered a proposal in 2016 that was similar to the one approved on Thursday, only to see it die a quick death in 2017 after Donald J. Trump took the White House. Mr. Gonzalez, the author of a book on identity politics, was one of the leaders of a conservative campaign against that proposal.

Margo Anderson , a professor emerita of history at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the author of a comprehensive history of the census , suggested in a recent paper that the Biden administration send the proposal back for more study instead of pushing for its adoption. “I worry that it’s going to be hard to make sensible statistical policy during a presidential election year,” she said in an interview.

Mr. Gonzalez said the new survey questions were likely to face opposition from any future Republican White House. “It’s a long time between now and 2030, a very long time away,” he said, referring to the date of the next decennial census. “I’m just going to leave it there.”

Kirsten Noyes contributed research.

Michael Wines is a national correspondent, writing about voting and election issues. He is based in Washington, D.C. More about Michael Wines

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Optimum Announces the Winners of its 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay
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Enter Optimum's Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest
Optimum and Univision invite middle and high school students to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Tell us what Hispanic culture means to you. ... Congratulations to our 2023 Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest Winners! Please see the list of the winners below. HIGH SCHOOL; EAST GRAND PRIZE Nydia C. 12th Grade, International High School
Optimum Announces the Winners of its 2023 Hispanic Heritage Essay
Optimum, together with co-sponsor TelevisaUnivision, is proud to announce the 2023 winners of its annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated each year from September 15 - October 15, Optimum invited students across the company's 21-state footprint to share in 500 words or less a person ...
Optimum Announces the Winners of its 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay
"This year's long-running Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest saw the largest number of student submissions since the contest was first launched over 10 years ago," said Lisa Gonzalez Anselmo, Chief Diversity Officer at Optimum. "We are thrilled to see such great excitement around the contest and the students' passion to spotlighting the contributions that the Hispanic American ...
Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest
Reading the stories shared by students from across Southwest Connecticut about Hispanic icons who they look up to is always inspiring. Congratulations to our 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay winners Amberleigh, Iris and Isabella! Read their winning essays below: Isabella Ulloa. King School, Stamford. Iris Amenta. Saint Mary School, Ridgefield.
Optimum Announces the Winners of its 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay
Optimum, together with co-sponsor TelevisaUnivision, is proud to announce the 2023 winners of its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated each year from September 15 - October 15, Optimum invited students across the company's 21-state footprint to share in 500 words or less a ...
Optimum Announces the Winners of its 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay
Optimum, together with co-sponsor TelevisaUnivision, is proud to announce the 2023 winners of its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is ...
Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest WInners
Optimum, together with co-sponsor TelevisaUnivision, announced the 2023 winners of its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated each year from September 15 - October 15, Optimum invited students across the company's 21-state footprint to share in 500 words or less a person, group of people, or […]
Optimum Announces the Winners of its 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay
Feature. December 05, 2022. Optimum, together with co-sponsor TelevisaUnivision, is proud to announce the 2022 winners of its annual Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated each year from September 15 - October 15, Optimum invited students across the company's 21-state footprint to ...
Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Essay Contest Winners 2023
Add to Calendar Congratulations to all the Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Essay Contest Winners 2023! The essays entered by these APS students reflected on how resilence, passion, strength, and empathy in their Hispanic/Latinx community has supported their success as students.
Hispanic Heritage Month Student and Teacher Contest Winners Announced
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis honored this year's Hispanic Heritage Month student and educator contest winners in a ceremony at the Governor's Mansion.This year, Florida celebrated Hispanic-American community leaders and champions with student art and essay contests, as students across the state learned about Florida's culture and Hispanic ...
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) / Hispanic Heritage
Congratulations to the 2022 winners! The winners of last year's Hispanic Heritage Essay Month contest were selected on Oct. 18, 2022. They are: Elementary: Tennyson Haas, West Riverside Elementary School. Middle: Giannina Quinones, Lavilla School of the Arts. High: Sarah Robinson, Riverside High School.
National Hispanic Heritage Contest Winners 2023
Winners have been determined for the annual contest and are listed below. The judging panel consisted of district, city, and library services members with a shared focus for how each design was successful in communication, connection to the theme, cultural representation and craftsmanship. Students in grades 9 - 12 were invited to design a ...
Winners of the Hispanic Heritage Essay Month contest recognize their
Oct. 28, 2022 - Congratulations to the three Team Duval students selected as winners of the district's annual 2022 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay contest. They are: Elementary school winner: Tennyson Haas/West Riverside Elementary. Middle school winner: Giannina Quinones/LaVilla School of the Arts. High school winner: Sarah Robinson ...
PDF Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest
Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $100 gift card for school supplies and a 1-year pass to Florida State Parks. AAbboouutt tthhee SSttuuddeenntt EEsssay Contestsay Contest Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis' Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest is open to all students attending any ...
Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida Encourage
Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $100 art supplies gift card and a 1-year pass to Florida state parks. About the Student Essay Contest. Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis' Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest is open to all fourth through twelfth-grade students in Florida.
Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis Celebrate Hispanic
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — This week, Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced this year's Hispanic Heritage Month student and educator contest winners. Contest winners were invited to the Florida Governor's Mansion where they received prizes and were recognized for their art, essays and educational contributions.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communites beyond this month, from September 15 to October 15 we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.
Hispanic Heritage essay contest winners announced in Pottstown
POTTSTOWN — Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos held an awards dinner at Chili's for the winners of the 2021-2022 Hispanic Heritage essay contest on Saturday, May 14.
- Hispanic Heritage Month 2023
This year, students wrote essays and created art that reflected the theme "Celebrating Florida's Hispanic Heroes and Their Contributions to Freedom.". Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated in the United States from September 15 to October 15. "Florida has extensive Hispanic heritage, and many Hispanic Floridians have ...
- Hispanic Heritage Month 2023
Once the winners are announced, the decision is final. Contact Volunteer Florida at (850) 414-7400 for any further questions. Online Submission 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest Online Submission. Paper Submission 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest Rules, Guidelines & Waiver Form (.PDF) - ENGLISH
First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces 2020 Hispanic Heritage Month
Tallahassee, Fla. - Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the Hispanic Heritage Month student contest winners and Excellence in Education Award recipients. This year's theme was "Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of Hispanic Americans in Florida." Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year in Florida from September 15 through October 15.
Hispanic Heritage Month Student and Teacher Contest Winners Announced
Tallahassee, Fla. - Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis honored this year's Hispanic Heritage Month student and educator contest winners in a ceremony at the Governor's Mansion. This year, Florida celebrated Hispanic-American community leaders and champions with student art and essay contests, as students across the state ...
Hispanic Heritage Month Winners Announced
Tallahassee, Fla. - Volunteer Florida is proud to announce the following winners of the Governor's 2016 Hispanic Heritage Month art, essay, and educator awards. The awards were presented to recipients at the Governor's Mansion this week. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year in Florida from September 15-October 15; the 2016 ...
HISPANIC HERITAGE ESSAY WINNERS
hispanic heritage essay winners Published Nov. 5, 1992 | Updated Oct. 12, 2005 Each October, as part of the Hispanic Heritage celebration, students are invited to compete in the Hispanic Heritage ...
U.S. Officials Order Better Tracking of a Political Flashpoint: America
The new questions build in part on the 2020 census, which gave white and African American respondents an option for the first time to write in additional ancestral information should they choose.

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Optimum Announces the Winners of its 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest

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