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Governor announces contest

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Staff Report

Published: January 30, 2008

Tallahassee - Tallahassee - Gov. Charlie Crist has announced the Florida's Black History Month "Pioneering the Future" Web site and invited students in kindergarten through 12th grades to participate in the Florida Black History Month essay contest.

The governor also is encouraging students, parents, teachers and principals to nominate full-time African-American educators in elementary, middle or high schools for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award.

"Black History Month offers a tremendous opportunity for all Floridians to learn more about the brave and determined individuals who overcame injustice and obstacles to achieve remarkable feats," Crist said in statement. "These men and women stood firm to right the wrongs they endured and established new paths to freedom and opportunity for future generations."

The essay contest is open to all Florida students in kindergarten through 12th grades. One winner will be selected from each of the three grade-level categories, elementary (grades K-5), middle (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a computer and a four-year tuition scholarship to a Florida public college or university of their choice, provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Essays should answer the question: "How have the contributions of African-American scientists or inventors impacted your life?"

Each student may enter only one essay, no longer than 500 words and typed or handwritten in print, rather than cursive writing.

Essays must include the student's name, home address, telephone number, school the student attends, grade level and essay title.

Essay must be accompanied by a parental waiver form, which can be found at www.floridablackhistory.com

Entries must be e-mailed to essay@myflorida.com or mailed to the Executive Office of the Governor, Attention: Black History Month Essay Contest, 400 S. Monroe St., Suite LL-10, Tallahassee FL 32399.

Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Feb. 8.

Crist's annual Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all African-American, full-time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary (K-5) teacher, one middle school (6-8) teacher and one high school (9-12) teacher. Winners will receive a check for $1,500 and a $500 gift card for classroom supplies.

Nomination forms must be e-mailed to nominations@myflorida.com or mailed to Executive Office of the Governor: Excellence in Education Award Committee, 400 S. Monroe St., Suite LL-10, Tallahassee FL 32399, by 5 p.m. Feb. 8. Forms can be found at www.floridablackhistory.com.

Nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent or student.

Essay contest winners and award-winning teachers will be notified by Feb. 18. Awards will be presented at the governor's annual Black History Month celebration in Tallahassee on Feb. 20.

For additional information about Florida's black history, contests and other related events, visit www.floridablackhistory.com.

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