Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) are announcing the launch of the third annual Florida Agriculture History & Creativity Award Essay Contest. The 500-word essay contest, originally established by Commissioner Fried in 2019, encourages Florida students in grades 4-12 to learn about hemp and the diverse commodities that can be made from it in an effort to create a more sustainable future for our state.
“Following the inception of the state’s hemp program in 2020, this newest Florida commodity has been leading the way in creating safe and sustainable products, furthering Florida’s rich agricultural history and the state’s second largest economic driver,” said Commissioner Fried. “Hemp has the potential for over 25,000 uses including textiles, biocomposite building materials, biodegradable packaging products, and food and medicinal products. We’re excited to see what innovative products Florida’s young minds will add to this list next, as we continue to keep Florida growing sustainably.”
The Florida Agriculture History Award essay contest will be open to all 4th through 12th graders enrolled in a Florida public or private school through May 20, 2022. Nine winners will receive a $1,000 Florida Prepaid 529 Scholarship, courtesy of Fresh From Florida, and be recognized at a Florida Cabinet meeting to be held at the Capitol Building in Tallahassee later this year. This contest is sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the Florida Prepaid College Board (FPCB). Students can learn more, find official contest rules, and enter by visiting FDACS.gov/AgHistoryAward.
Madison County School District is carefully monitoring the weather development. At this time ALL schools will remain open.
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez announced the launch of the 2022 Florida Space Art Contest. With March being Youth Art Month, students are encouraged to create an art piece inspired by the theme Florida is the Place for Space: Celebrating Florida’s Contributions to Space Travel and Exploration. Students in grades K-5 are invited to participate in the art contest. Student contest rules and guidelines can be found online at www.FloridaSpaceArt.com.
“As Chair of Space Florida’s Board of Directors, I am proud to launch Florida’s Space Art competition for K-5 students,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “This is an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their creativity and artistic talent while highlighting Florida’s iconic space coast, space travel, and exploration. I look forward to seeing all the submissions that, no doubt, will be out of this world.”
Space Florida, as a key sponsor of the Lieutenant Governor’s Space Art Contest, believes supporting STEAM education initiatives are an integral part of its mission.
“Space has long inspired the human imagination and we are excited to support the next generation of Florida artists develop their talents as they experience space as no others have before them,” said Space Florida CEO Frank DiBello. “We are excited to support the Lieutenant Governor through this art contest.”
About the Florida Space Student Art Contest
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez’s Space Art Contest is open to all K-5 grade students in Florida. Each student will submit original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme. Submissions will be broken down in to two categories: K-2 and 3-5. Five original art pieces will be selected from each category, with a grand prize winner selected from each group.
About the Featured Artist
Jonlouis Gonzalez is the Featured Artist for the 2022 Florida Space Art Contest. His work is inspired by his love for space. Last year, Jonlouis’ art flew with the SpaceX Inspiration4 crew and donated to charity.
“As an artist and as someone who grew up watching space launches from my hometown of Melbourne, I could not be more excited to be a part of this Space Art Competition,” said Jonlouis Gonzalez. “It is my hope that students across our state become creative and inspired by our astronauts who are sent on missions to improve life for all of humanity.”
Forms and Guidelines
Submit artwork to the address below:
Space Florida
ATTN: Space Art Contest
505 Odyssey Way, Suite 300
Exploration Park, Florida 32953
All entries must be received by 5 PM on Monday, April 25, 2022.
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