Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Announce 2016 Black History Month Student and Teacher Contest Winners
February 17, 2016
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Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Announce 2016 Black History Month Student and Teacher Contest Winners
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott announced the 2016 Black History Month student and teacher contest winners. The winners will be honored tonight during the Black History Month reception at the Governor’s mansion. The reception honors African American heroes who have helped make Florida the best state to live, work and raise a family.
Governor Scott said, “This year during Black History Month, we are honored to recognize African American heroes, past and present, who have risked their lives to ensure the safety of others. American history is full of African American heroes, veterans, military members, law enforcement officers, and first responders, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to protect Floridians and people all over the world. Ann and I are proud to announce this year’s winners and thank everyone who participated in this year’s contests to learn more about African American history in Florida.”
First Lady Ann Scott said, “I am so impressed with the quality of this year’s contest entries and I am pleased to congratulate the winners. In Florida, we are fortunate to have so many outstanding educators who are dedicated to ensuring all Florida students understand the impact of African American heroes, past and present. It is an honor to recognize them, along with our student award recipients, at the Florida Governor’s Mansion.”
The 2016 Black History Month featured artist is Arthur Dillard. Arthur’s artwork can be found throughout the United States, and was displayed at the 50th anniversary of the Brown vs. Board of Education Decision in Washington, D.C. He is a self-taught artist who earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Florida A&M University and currently has a studio in Bradenton.
The following three educators, individuals nominated by students and peers, were recognized with the Excellence in Education Award and will each receive $1,500:
- Shaday Lackey – Melrose Elementary School, St. Petersburg, Pinellas County
- David Bradley – Lakeside Junior High School, Orange Park, Clay County
- Kolesia Richardson-Brown – Fort Walton Beach High School, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County
The following student essay contest winners – one elementary, one middle, and one high school student – will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation:
- Daniella Darcangelo – Sunset Elementary School, Miami, Miami-Dade County (4th-5th grade)
- Annelisa Swiersz – Ft. Myers Christian School, Fort Myers, Lee County (6th-8th grade)
- Michaela Polmann – Dunedin High School, Dunedin, Pinellas County (9th-12th grade)
The following student art contest winners will each receive $250.
- Joshua Johnson – Allamanda Elementary School, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach County (Kindergarten-1st grade)
- Siany Milian – Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School, Miami, Miami-Dade County (2nd-3rd grade)
The following two recipients were recognized with the Champion of Service award:
- Bernard and Shirley Kinsey – Bernard and Shirley Kinsey’s museum collection, The Kinsey Collection, is a national touring exhibit of art, artifacts, books, documents and manuscripts dating back to 1600 that tell the story of African American achievement and contribution. The collection has been viewed by over 3 million visitors and was displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. and Walt Disney World in Orlando. Mr. Kinsey attended Florida A&M University and he supports scholarships for students and grants for aspiring African-American artists.
The Black History Month reception and awards are supported by Maritza Rovira Forino Family and The Florida Math and Science Initiative, Volunteer Florida Foundation, Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Foundation, Comcast, AT&T, Florida Power & Light, Florida Lottery, Prudential, Florida Blue, Publix, Walmart, Mosaic, AAA, FCCI, and Sunshine Health.
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