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2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest

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students on stage at the hispanic heritage contest

About Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from Sept. 15 - Oct. 15. 

During this time, the nation celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanics in all areas of society including: scientific discoveries, research, art, music, government, and more!

The day of Sept. 15 is significant because: 

  • It is the anniversary of independence for the Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

  • Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18 respectively.

  • Columbus Day, which is Oct. 12, falls within this 30-day period. 

Jaguars Foundation

Proud to Partner with Jaguars Foundation

We are excited to share that we have partnered with the Jaguars Foundation to honor our winners.

  • Winners will be announced on Sept. 22.

  • There will be an elementary school winner, middle school winner, and high school winner.

  • Winners will be invited to an Awards Ceremony Luncheon at the Schultz Center on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

  • Additionally, winners will be celebrated at a dinner hosted by Unidos Jax on Thursday, Sept. 25 at the Jacksonville Main Library at 6 PM.

  • During the Award Luncheon at the Schultz Center, students will have the opportunity to read their inspiring essays.

About the Contest

  • Open to all students in grades 4 - 12.

  • Deadline for submissions is noon on Saturday, Sept. 20. 

  • Submissions must be emailed from teachers to Ms. Keisha Rodriguez

Essay Contest Guidelines

The essay must be written about a living person of Hispanic/Latinx heritage from the Jacksonville community who has made a significant contribution in one of the following areas:

  • Medicine

  • The Arts (visual, music, theater, etc.)

  • Politics

  • Law

  • Education

  • Business

  • Literature

  • Science

Must be one page, written in Spanish or English, typed, and double-spaced with one-inch margins, using 11-point Calibri font.

Must include a title page containing the name of this contest, name of the essay, student name, teacher name, school name, and parent contact information.

Must include a bibliography using MLA or APA format for all sources including interviews. Failure to credit sources is plagiarism and will result in disqualification. Additionally, submissions identified as AI-generated will be disqualified.

Must turn in a signed Media Release form with the essay.