First Lady Casey DeSantis Announces 2020 Black History Month Theme and Student Contests

Student essay contest winners will receive a 4-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced that the theme for Black History Month in February will be “Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of African Americans in Florida” and released information regarding the student art and essay contests and Excellence in Education awards.

“Florida has been enriched by the many contributions made by our African American community and we cherish the opportunity to highlight their achievements,” said First Lady Casey DeSantis. “This year, we take special pride in heralding those who have given us much to celebrate in our local communities and should be acknowledged as we honor the legacy of the many through Black History Month.”

First Lady DeSantis is inviting students to participate in academic and creative contests based on theme “Celebrating Untold Stories and Contributions of African Americans in Florida.” Students in grades K-3 can participate in an art contest while students in grades 4-12 can participate in an essay contest. Additionally, students, parents, teachers and principals are invited to nominate full-time educators of all student grades for the Black History Month Excellence in Education Award.

About the Student Art Contest 
First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Art Contest is open to all K-3 students in Florida. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Two winners will be selected.

About the Student Essay Contest
First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Essay Contest is open to all 4-12 students in Florida. Each student will submit one essay no longer than 500 words based on this year’s theme. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school student (grades 4-5), one middle school student (grades 6-8) and one high school student (grades 9-12). Each winner will receive a 4-Year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

About the Excellence in Education Award 
First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Black History Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all full-time educators in an elementary, middle, or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school teacher (grades K-5), one middle school teacher (grades 6-8) and one high school teacher (grades 9-12). Nominations may be submitted by a principal, teacher, parent/guardian or student.

Contest Entries and Nominating Forms and Guidelines 
Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at www.FloridaBlackHistory.com.

Volunteer Florida 
Black History Month Committee 
1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250 
Tallahassee, Florida 32308

All entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.

For more information about the contests please visit www.FloridaBlackHistory.com.

Congratulations to the Madison County School District School Related Personnel of the Year!  

Photo:  (L to R)  Cindy Boyd - District Office, Kathy Norwood - MCCS, Kim Washington - PES Sonja Bass -DISTRICT WINNER - MCAA, Evelyn Chancy - MCHS, Talecia Solomon - GES, Bobby Thompkins - JMPHS, Leroy James - LES, Derek Love - Transportation Department

HEALTH OFFICIALS IN HAMILTON AND MADISON COUNTIES ADVISE OF POSSIBLE WASTEWATER CONTAMINATION IN THE WITHLACOOCHEE RIVER.

Possible Impacts from Valdosta, GA Wastewater Overflow:

Contact:

COH - Hamilton

Sallie Ford

[email protected]

386-758-1058

DOH-Madison

Lisa Hayes

[email protected]

850-973-5000

Jasper, FL - The Florida Department of Heaalth in Hamilton and Madison  counties today issued a joint health advisory to residents and visitors near the Withalacoochee River in North Florida.  The City of Valdosta, Georgia has reported a large spill of untreated sewage; the spillage will impact water quality flowing from Sugar Creek into the Withlacoochee River.

Until further information is known regarding possible contamination of the river, people in the area are urged to take precautions when in contact with the Withlacoochee River.  The Florida Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Protection are conducting water sampling.

Water contaminated with wastewater overflow presents several health risks to humans.  Untreated human sewage with microbes could cause gastrointestinal issues and other conditions.

Anyone who comes into contact with the river water should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking.  children and older adults, as well as people with weakened immune systems, are particularly vulnerable to disease, so every precaution should be taken if in contact with the river water.

For more information about the potential health effects of wastewater overflow, Floridians are encouraged to contact DOH-Hamilton at 386-758-1059 or hamilton.floridahealth.gov and and DOH-Madison at 850-973-5000 or visit madison.floridahealth.gov.  For information pertaining to the spill, contact the Valdosta Utilities Department Environmental Manager, Scott Fowler at 229-259-3592 or sfowler @valdostacity.com.