Martin County School District students are invited to participate in Governor Ron DeSantis' and First Lady Casey DeSantis' 2026 Native American Heritage Month student art and essay contests, hosted by the Florida Department of Education and Volunteer Florida.
This year's theme, "Celebrating Florida's Native American Heritage" encourages students to learn about the history, culture, and contributions of Native Americans in Florida.
Florida students in kindergarten through third grade may participate in the art contest, while students in 4-12 may enter the essay contest. Both contests are open to eligible students attending public, charter, private, home or virtual schools in Florida.
Student Art Contest (Grades K-3)
Students are invited to submit original artwork inspired by this year’s theme. Four statewide winners will be selected, each receiving a $200 school-supply gift card. Entries must be mailed to Volunteer Florida.
Student Essay Contest (Grades 4-12)
Students are invited to write about a Native American Floridian whose story and contributions have helped shape the state’s history. Essays must be written in English and cannot exceed 500 words. Six statewide winners will be selected, each receiving a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship and a $200 school-supply gift card.
Excellence in Education Award
Students, parents, teachers, and principals may also nominate full-time educators for Governor Ron DeSantis’ and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ Native American Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award. Four statewide winners will be selected, each receiving $2,500 from Volunteer Florida.
Essay entries and educator nominations may be submitted online or mailed to Volunteer Florida. Art contest entries must be mailed.
All entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2026.
Mail To:
Volunteer Florida
Native American Heritage Month Committee
1545 Raymond Diehl Road, Suite 250
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
Click here for complete contest guidelines, submission forms, and additional information.