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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." More than 35 million people identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino on the 2000 Census.

Hispanic Heritage Month Contests for Students and Teachers

Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide and begins on September 15. In honor of this celebration, Gov. Charlie Crist is inviting all Florida students in kindergarten through 12th grades to take part in the Florida Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest. One winner will be selected from each of the three grade-level categories, elementary (grades K-5), middle (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a full four-year tuition scholarship to a Florida college or university of their choice, provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, and a computer. Essays should answer the question: “In what way will you impact the future of the Hispanic community in Florida and why?”

The Governor is also encouraging students, parents, teachers and principals to nominate Hispanic, full-time educators in elementary, middle or high schools for the inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school (K-5) teacher, one middle school (6-8) teacher and one high school (9-12) teacher. Winners will receive a check for $1,500 and a $500 gift card for classroom supplies.

Governor Crist Recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month Contest Winners

Resources

Just For Teachers

Hispanic Heritage Month booklet