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. 

Overview - Essay Contest

• 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. 

• Submissions: Must be emailed from teachers to: 

  • Grades 4-5: Ms. K. Rodriguez at Email Ms. K. Rodriguez

  • Grades 6-8: Ms. R. Jernigan at Email Ms. R. Jernigan

  • Grades 9-12: Ms. K. Montes-Santiago at Email K. Montes-Santiago

• 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.  

Guidelines - Essay Contest

Must be written about a living person of Hispanic/Latinx heritage from the Jacksonville community who has made a significant contribution in one of the following areas:

• Medicine

• The Arts (visual, music, theater, etc.)

• Politics

• Law

• Education

• Business

• Literature

• Science

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 2023 Essay Contest Winners

• Elementary: Kennedi McGriff, Biscayne Elementary School

• Middle: Brody Rodriguez, Mayport Coastal Sciences Middle School

• High: Daniel Kaye, Stanton College Prep

Congratulations to the 2022 winners!

• Elementary: Tennyson Haas, West Riverside Elementary School

• Middle: Giannina Quinones, Lavilla School of the Arts

• High: Sarah Robinson, Riverside High School