Florida Students Invited to Participate in 2026
Native American Heritage Month Contests
Tallahassee, Fla., November 2, 2026 – The Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida invited students to participate in the 2026 Native American Heritage Month student art and essay contests with the theme “Celebrating Florida’s Native American Heritage.” Native American Heritage Month is recognized and celebrated in the United States during the month of November.
"Native American History is an important part of Florida’s story," said Commissioner of Education Henry Mack. "Understanding the history and traditions of the Native American tribes that helped shape our state gives students a greater appreciation for Florida’s heritage. I encourage all students to take part in this year’s contests and learn more about this important part of our state’s history.”
“Volunteer Florida is proud to celebrate these outstanding students and educators whose creativity, dedication, and accomplishments reflect the tremendous contributions of Florida’s Native American community,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “These students are carrying forward a rich legacy of culture and achievement, while our educators inspire the next generation of Floridians every day. It is an honor to recognize this year’s winners and the impact they are making across our state.”
All Florida students, including public, charter, private, home, or virtual, are invited to participate in academic and creative contests based on this year's theme. Students in grades K-3 participate in an art contest, while students in grades 4-12 participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers, and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.
About the Student Art Contest
The Native American Heritage Month art contest is open to all Kindergarten through third-grade students in Florida. Each student should submit one original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year's theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, and each winner will receive a $200 gift card for school supplies.
About the Student Essay Contest
The Native American Heritage Month essay contest is open to all students attending any Florida school in grades 4-12. 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 $200 gift card for school supplies.
Contestants must be Florida residents, attend school in Florida in grades 4-12 (including public, charter, private, home or virtual) and able to provide a Social Security Number. Each student may enter only one essay, written in English, no longer than 500 words.
There are many examples throughout our state’s history of Native Americans and their heritage. Using your own words, write about a Native American who has had a lasting impact whose story should be shared. The subject of the essay should be Florida Native American.
Some examples are:
- Betty Mae Tiger Jumper – First woman elected as Chair of the Seminole Tribe of Florida
- Florida’s Timucuan Pocahontas, Ulele
- Osceola (Billy Powell) – An advocate for Seminole rights in the 1800s
- Noah Billie – An acclaimed Seminole painter
- Billy Bowlegs III – A historian who helped introduce Americans to the Seminole tribe in the 20th century
About the Excellence in Education Award
Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida. Four winners will be selected, and nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian, or student. Excellence in Education award winners will receive $2,500 from the Volunteer Florida Foundation.
Contest Entries and Nominating Forms and Guidelines
Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at www.floridanativeamericanheritage.com.
Volunteer Florida
Native American Heritage Month Committee
1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
All entries must be received by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on Friday, November 13, 2026. Remember to ship early to ensure materials are received on time. Emailed, scanned, or faxed entries will not be accepted. Contestants are responsible for all shipping costs.
For more information about the contests, please visit www.floridanativeamericanheritage.com.
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