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.