Florida students are being encouraged to participate in the 2025 Native American Heritage Month student art and essay contests, announced by the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida. The theme for this year is “Celebrating Florida’s Native American Heritage.” Native American Heritage Month is observed nationally each November.
“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 stated, “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 open to all students across Florida. Students in grades K-3 can enter an art contest by submitting original two-dimensional artwork reflecting this year’s theme. Four winners will be chosen, each receiving a $200 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida State Parks.
For students in grades 4-12, there is an essay contest where participants are asked to write about a Floridian Native American who has had a significant impact on the state’s history. Essays must be written in English, no longer than 500 words, and each student may submit only one entry. Six winners will be selected—two from elementary (grades 4-5), two from middle (grades 6-8), and two from high school (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation as well as a $200 gift card for school supplies.
Additionally, nominations are open for full-time educators teaching any grade level in Florida schools for the Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest. Four educators will be recognized with awards of $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
Entries and nominations can be submitted online or mailed to Volunteer Florida at their Tallahassee address. All submissions must be received by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on Friday, November 21, 2025. More information is available at www.floridanativeamericanheritage.com.
