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Hispanic Heritage Month

According to FactMonster.com, Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18. Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated in the United States since 1974, when President Gerald Ford issued a Presidential Proclamation extending Hispanic Heritage Week into a month-long observation.

The term Hispanic, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, refers to Spanish-speaking people in the United States of any race. On the 2000 Census form, people of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or "other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino." According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 44 million people in the United States are of Hispanic origin.

Governor Crist Recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month Contest Winners

Florida Governor Charlie Crist announced the winners of the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award and student essay contest. The educators and students were honored at the Governor’s Mansion on October 14.

Three outstanding Hispanic educators were recognized with the Excellence in Education Award for their contributions to education in Florida. Each received an award check for $1,500.
  • Mrs. Barbara Jarrett, Valrico Elementary School, Valrico
  • Mr. Hector Veras, Crystal Lake Community Middle School, Pompano Beach
  • Mr. Salvador Mucino, Wellington Community High School, Wellington
Also, three students were recognized for their outstanding essays. The essay topic this year was, "In what ways does the foundation of Florida's Hispanic legacy help to build the future of Florida's innovation economy?" Each student received a laptop computer from Dell and a full four-year tuition scholarship from the Florida Pre-Paid College Foundation to the Florida state college or university of their choice.
  • Alexis Rosa, DevonAire K-8 Center, Miami
  • Alexis Tahmassebi, DeLaura Middle School, Melbourne
  • William Velasquez, Ridgewood High School, Port Richey