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Florida Students Win Student Art and Essay Contests to Celebrate Black History Month 

Two Student-Winners Attend Member Schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 7, 2024) – Students from two member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) are among statewide winners of student art and essay contests to celebrate Black History Month.  Winners were announced by Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis at a reception in honor of Black History Month at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee. 

Blake Griffith, a Kindergarten student at River City Science Academy Innovation in Jacksonville, is among four winners of the Student Art Contest.  Each of the student winners receives a $100 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida state parks. 

Adrienne Menard, an Eighth Grade student at Miami Arts Charter School in Miami, is among six winners of the Student Essay Contest.  Each of the student winners receives a $100 gift card for school supplies and a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. 

The student art and essay contests are based on the theme, “Celebrating Florida’s African American Heroes and Their Contributions to Freedom.” 

“Florida is proud of its rich African American history,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis.  “It was great to celebrate with educators and students from across the state while highlighting the achievements of African Americans in Florida.” 

“Each year, it is a privilege to welcome Florida’s students and educators to the Governor’s Residence for Black History Month,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis.  “The 2024 art and essay contest winners creatively highlighted the numerous contributions of African American Floridians to protect and champion freedom, and the Governor and I are pleased to recognize the winners for their excellent submissions.” 

Many member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) participated in the 2024 celebration. 

“We congratulate the student art contest and essay contest winners who attend member schools of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools,” said Robert Haag, President of the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools.  “Black History Month provides a focused timeframe to celebrate the many accomplishments African Americans have achieved in Florida.” 

About the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools   

The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS) is the leading charter school membership association in the state.  Since its inception in 1999, FCPCS has been dedicated to creating a national model of high quality, accredited public charter schools that are student-centered and performance-driven. FCPCS provides a wide array of technical support, mentoring, training, networking, and purchasing services to its membership, as well as serving as an advocate for all Florida public charter schools.