Last week, the Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the winners of the 2025 Native American Heritage Month art, essay and educator contests. The announcements were made at a celebration held at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee.

“Native American culture is an important part of Florida’s history,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Thank you to our student winners of the art and essay contests and the exceptional educators for keeping their heritage alive.”

“I am honored to welcome the winners and their families to the Governor’s Mansion,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “The creativity of the art and essays is amazing and I am pleased to offer my congratulations. “

“Congratulations to this year’s students and educators who were recognized for their outstanding art, essays and achievements,” said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. “Florida history is rich with Native American influence, and I am proud students across Florida learned about their heritage.”

“We are honored to recognize these talented students and teachers who celebrated the achievements of Native Americans in our state’s history through their essays and art work,” said Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo. “Florida has been enriched by the longstanding contributions from the Native American Heritage culture, and its lasting influence on future Floridians.”

Student Art Contest

Students in kindergarten through third grade were invited to submit original artwork for the contest. Four art contest winners were chosen, and each received a $200 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida state parks.

Student Essay Contest

Students in fourth through twelfth grade were invited to submit essays based on this year’s theme. Six winners were selected including two elementary students (grades 4–5), two middle school students (grades 6–8), and two high school students (grades 9–12). Winners received a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation and a $200 gift card for school supplies.

Excellence in Education Award

There are four winners for the Excellence in Education Award Contest. The winners were selected from nominations sent in by principals, teachers, parents or guardians and students. Excellence in Education Award winners received a $2,500 monetary recognition provided by Volunteer Florida.

Student Art Contest Winners

Kindergarten:
Aziyah Washington, Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School – “Fry Bread Under the Chikee”

First Grade:
Jayley Rose Billie-Perez, Ahfachkee School – “Betty Mae Tiger Jumper”

Second Grade:
Evianna Nunez, Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School – “Native American Fire Camp”

Third Grade:
Oaklee Hipp, Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School – “Osceola”

Student Essay Contest Winners

Grades 4-5:

Mason D’Angelo, Deer Park Elementary School – “Why Osceola’s Story Should Be Told’

Reid Trent, Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School – “Wild Cat”

Grades 6-8:

Heaven Holiday, Florida Virtual School – “Florida History Through the Lens of Betty Mae Tiger Jumper”

Samuel Van Camp, Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School – “Louise Gopher”

Grades 9-12

Nathalia Matheus, Zephyrhills High School – “The Canvas of Continuity: The Art and Legacy of Seminole Artist Noah Billie”

Kadance Reeves, Vanguard High School – “John Hick’s Legacy of Leadership”

Excellence in Education Award Winners

Jennifer Ellis, PreK-8 Grade Instructional Coach, Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School

Samson Crazy Horse Clark, 10^th Grade ELA, AICE Global Perspectives Teacher, Pasco High School

Billie McDonald, K-12 Exceptional Student Education Teacher, Ahfachkee School

Quenten Pritchard, 7^th & 8^th Grade Civics and History, Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School