Oct. 8, 2025 – ¡Felicidades! to the three outstanding winners of the district’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest:
Nathalie Raices, Beauclerc Elementary
Tania Diaz Paredes, Southside Middle
Andrea Navarro, Riverside High
The students were honored this week during a special ceremony hosted by the district and the Jaguars Foundation. Their essays celebrated Hispanic community leaders in Jacksonville who are driving positive change.
Nathalie Raices wrote a heartfelt essay about her Dual Language teacher, Ms. Vanessa Lopez, who inspired her love of reading and nature.
“She is the person I admire most,” Raices wrote. “She is a great advocate for her students and community.”
Tania Diaz Paredes highlighted the work of Dr. Norberto Benitez, a Jacksonville physician.
“He has helped many children through his service in the healthcare field and has even traveled the world to offer medical aid to suffering individuals,” Paredes wrote. “His dedication has made him a role model in the eyes of many.”
Andrea Navarro centered her essay on City Councilman Raul Arias Jr.
“He has focused on helping rebuild infrastructure, supporting job growth through small businesses, and ensuring public safety,” Navarro wrote.
In addition to this week’s ceremony, each winner was previously recognized in September during the City of Jacksonville’s Unidos Jax Dinner, where they received a Letter of Commendation from Mayor Donna Deegan.
Congratulations to these students for representing Team Duval and their community.
The annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest is hosted in collaboration with the Jaguars Foundation, celebrating student voices and community impact each year. Learn more about our winners by viewing this heartwarming video: Watch on Facebook