GOVERNOR BUSH INVITES FLORIDA STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN
ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST

- - Top Elementary, Middle and High School Students to Receive Ful
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. Essays must be written on the
topic, "What Impact has an African American Educator from Florida Had on My
Life?"



"It is important Florida's children are educated about the history of all
Floridians.  Black History Month is a great opportunity to recognize the
achievements of Florida's African American educators," Governor Bush
said. "Our annual essay contest provides students throughout the state with
the opportunity to learn more 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], or mailed to
the Governor's Press Office, 206 the Capitol, Tallahassee, FL, 32399, by
5:00 p.m. Friday, January 7, 2005.
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 Conference of
Black State Legislators and the Mary Brogan Museum of Arts and Science.
Sponsors for the essay contest include the Florida Prepaid College
Foundation and the Florida Lottery.



"Dr. Mary McCleod Bethune, one of the greatest American educational
pioneers, opened an educational institution in Florida 100 years ago known
as Bethune Cookman College to educate young black boys and girls.  Her
mantra was "Enter to Learn and Depart to Serve."  It is our sincerest hope
that our youngest Floridians respect, honor and appreciate the modern day
educational pioneers who are on the front lines of our K-12, shaping the
greatest intellectual potential the world has ever known," said
Representative Ed Jennings, Chairman, Florida Caucus of Black State
Legislators.



Students interested in participating in the essay contest should visit
www.myflorida.com. Contact Cristal Cole at (850) 488-5394 or Leslie D.
Steele at (850) 487-7727 for more information or a complete copy of the
contest rules.