Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Florida

In celebration of 2019 Florida Hispanic Heritage Month, we are proud to announce three exceptional students that recently were each awarded a 4-Year Florida College Plan Scholarship!

Each student was tasked to write an essay about an influential Hispanic-American who displayed the highest ideals of public service. The winners were honored at a ceremony hosted by Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis at the Governor’s Mansion on October 14, 2019.

We are thrilled to be a part of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, along with Volunteer Florida and First Lady Casey DeSantis. The Florida Prepaid College Foundation has been a sponsor of the essay contest since 2001.

Essay Contest winners:

• Elementary School Winner: Julieta Ramirez, Pine Forest School of the Arts, Duval County.

Julieta wrote about Judge Tatiana Radi Salvador, a member of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

• Middle School Winner: Chloe Mason Norman, Oakleaf Junior High, Clay County.

Chloe wrote about her great grandmother, Rosa Pallas, a Cuban immigrant who became one of the nation’s most outstanding educators.

• High School Winner: Jack Fitzegerald, J.P. Taravella High School, Broward County.

Jack wrote about Maria Mestre de Los Dolores Andreu, who became the first Hispanic-American to operate a federal coastal installation – the St. Augustine lighthouse.

“We are proud of these three students and their ability to celebrate culture and service at such a young age,” said Cynthia O’Connell, Director of the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.  “We look forward to their future accomplishments.”

To hear more from First Lady DeSantis click here.