Annual Essay Contest
The Annual Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc. Essay Contest is open to school children from grades 6-12 in the Tampa Bay area. The contest is divided into four categories:
- I. Grades 6-8 written in English
- II. Grades 6-8 written in Spanish.
- III. Grades 9-12 written in English
- IV. Grades 9-12 written in Spanish.
In 2011 the topic was “Health and Nutrition: A Challenge for Young Hispanics.” The theme each year spotlights Hispanic influence in some area. Past themes include:
- “Hispanics and the Environment: A Challenge”
- “What my Latin Heritage means in today’s society”
- “Don Quixote today”
- “Hispanic Influence in Art”
- “Hispanic Influence in Sports”
- “Hispanic Influence in Florida”
- “The Influence of Hispanics in Music”
- “The importance of the Spanish language in the next millennium”
Contributions of Hispanics to the Tampa Bay Area. Cash awards of $200.00, $150.00 and $100.00 respectively are awarded to the first, second and third place winners in each of the categories. During the awards reception trophies are presented to the winning students.
The 2011 ESSAY WINNERS were recognized on May 21, 2011, at the Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City:
- 1st Place: Christina Allan from Webb Middle School
- Category I – Christina Allan, Dominick Valdes and Isaac Espinoza
- Category II (Grades 6-8 Spanish) – Luis G. Esquilin and Joshua Riquelme from Benito and Farnell Middle School
- Category III: Christina Faliero, Racquel Charuc and Kaila Karabinos from Durant, Braulio Alonso and Wharton High.
- Category IV (9-12 Spanish) – Lady Rubino from Riverview Highschool.
Many thanks to Hillsborough County Schools for their continuos support throughout the years. Special thanks to Mary Ellen Elia, School Superintendent, Gwen Luny, Assistant Superintendent for Support Services, Dr. Jack Lamb and Susan Valdes, School Board Members and Marcos Murillo, Principal of Webb for their personal involvement and support.