GOVERNOR BUSH INVITES FLORIDA STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL BLACK
HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST
Top Elementary, Middle and High School Students to Receive Full Scholarships

TALLAHASSEE --Governor Jeb Bush today invited Florida K-12 students to
participate in the Governor's annual Black History Month "Remembering the
Past, Celebrating the Future" essay contest.  Students' essays must be
written on the topic, "What Impact has an African American Entertainer,
'Singer,' 'Dancer,' 'Director,' or 'Actor/Actress' from Florida Had on My
Life."

"It is important Florida's children are educated about the history of all
Floridians, especially the achievements of African-Americans," Governor
Bush said.   "This is an excellent opportunity to educate Florida's students
about African-American contributions to Florida, showcase their creativity
and reward them for their talent."

The contest is open to all Florida K-12 students.  A panel of educators,
community and business leaders from around the state will serve as judges
and select the winning essays.  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 trip to Tallahassee
to attend the annual Black History Month Reception at the Governor's
Mansion and a full 4-year tuition scholarship to a state college or
university of their choice, provided by the Florida Prepaid College
Foundation.

Guidelines are as follows:

        *       Entries must be emailed to [log in to unmask]
<mailto:[log in to unmask]>, or mailed to the Governor's Press
Office, 206 the Capitol, Tallahassee, FL, 32399, by 5:00p.m. Monday,
January 5, 2004.

        *       Each student may enter one essay no longer than 500 words
in length.

        *       Essays submitted must include: contestant's name, home
address, telephone number, school the student attends, grade level and
title of the essay.

Partners of this year's essay contest include, the Florida Black Caucus and
the Mary Brogan Museum of Arts and Science.  Sponsors for the essay contest
include the Florida Lottery and Apple Computers.

"Since the genesis of the African Diaspora, arts expression has been at the
foundation of African-American culture and still offers a great impact to
our community today," Black Caucus Chair Rep. Ed Jennings said. "The arts
were a means of communication throughout the ages.  It is my hope that
through this essay topic, our youngest citizens will continue to realize
the value of the arts in shaping future generations."

Those interested in participating in the essay contest or for a complete
copy of the contest rules, visit Governor Bush's Black History Month Essay
Contest at
<http://www.myflorida.com/myflorida/governorsoffice/black_history/essay.html

or call (850) 488-5394 for more information.