Congratulations to our 2021 Black History Month Essay Contest Winners!

We would like to give a big congratulations to our Black History Month scholarship essay contest winners. In celebration of Black History Month, we are proud to announce three exceptional students that recently were awarded a 4-Year Florida College Plan Scholarship!

Each student was tasked with writing an essay that highlights the theme, “Community Champions – Celebrating the Contributions of African Americans in Florida’s Communities.” We are thrilled to be a part of celebrating Black History Month, alongside Volunteer Florida and the Governor and First Lady DeSantis. The Florida Prepaid College Foundation has been a sponsor of the student contest for the past 19 years.

Essay Contest Winners:

Elementary School Winner: Brynley Ashraf, High Springs Community School, Alachua County

Brynley wrote about her school resource officer, Officer Adam Joy, who serves their community not only through his profession, but by giving back through his involvement with numerous organizations.

Middle School Winner:  Harper Schuknecht, Sebring Middle School, Highlands County

Harper wrote about Joseph E. Lee, one of the first Black Floridians to practice law in our state who served as a judge as well as in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate.

High School Winner: Valeria Alfonzo Molina, Belleview High School, Marion County

Valeria wrote about James Weldon Johnson, a Florida-born educator, poet, novelist, journalist, anthologist, diplomat, lyricist, lawyer and civil rights activist.

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