First Lady Ann Scott today made her final stop on the 2018 Summer Literacy Adventure at Fort Mose Historic State Park in St. Augustine. During her visit, First Lady Ann Scott shared her passion for reading with students from the St. Johns County Summer Camp Program and encouraged them to take the Summer Literacy Adventure pledge to read every day. [Read more…] about First Lady Ann Scott Concludes Summer Literacy Adventure at Fort Mose Historic State Park
first lady ann scott
First Lady Ann Scott to Continue Summer Literacy Adventure at Honeymoon Island State Park
First Lady Ann Scott Summer Literacy Adventure
Tomorrow, July 17, First Lady Ann Scott will make her second stop on the 2018 Summer Literacy Adventure at Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin. During her visit, the First Lady will read to students from the Dunedin Public Library Summer Reading Program and encourage them to read throughout the summer. [Read more…] about First Lady Ann Scott to Continue Summer Literacy Adventure at Honeymoon Island State Park
First Lady Ann Scott and Commissioner Stewart to award Statewide Teacher of the Year at the Annual Awards Gala
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, First Lady Ann Scott and Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart will announce the 2019 Teacher of the Year at the awards gala. [Read more…] about First Lady Ann Scott and Commissioner Stewart to award Statewide Teacher of the Year at the Annual Awards Gala
Gov. Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Invite K-12 Students to Participate in 2018 Hispanic Heritage Month Contests
Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott announced the 2018 Hispanic Heritage Month contests for students and educators and invited Florida K-12 students to participate in the essay and art contests. Parents, students, teachers and principals are also invited to nominate full-time, outstanding educators for the Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award.
Governor Scott said, “I encourage all Florida students to take advantage of the summer break to learn about the many influential Hispanic-Americans who have helped shape the Sunshine State. This year, students will be competing for a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship, which will help them live their dreams in Florida.”
First Lady Ann Scott said, “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is an exciting opportunity to focus on Hispanic-Americans and the role they played in shaping today’s Florida. When I visit schools to share my passion for reading and literacy, the students are always so enthusiastic about learning. I hope Florida students use this opportunity to explore Florida’s rich Hispanic culture. I am also honored to highlight the work of the immensely gifted Juan “One” Sepúlveda, our 2018 Hispanic Heritage Month featured artist.”
The theme for this year’s essay and art contests is “A Celebration of Innovative Hispanic-American Leaders.” Students are asked to share how Hispanic Floridians have impacted our state’s history and culture. More information about the contests and Florida’s Hispanic Heritage Month is available at FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month featured artist is Juan “One” Sepúlveda.
About the Student Contests
Art Contest for Grades K-3: The Hispanic Heritage Month art contest is open to allFlorida students in grades K-3, and two winners will be selected.
Essay Contest for Grades 4-12: The Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest is open to allFlorida students in grades 4 through 12. Three winners will be selected: one elementarystudent (grades 4-5), one middle-school student (grades 6-8), and one high schoolstudent (grades 9-12). Winners will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarshipprovided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
About the Excellence in Education Award
Governor Scott’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Excellence in Education Award Contest is open to all Hispanic, full-time educators in an elementary, middle or high school in Florida. Three winners will be selected: one elementary school (grades K-5) teacher, one middle school (grades 6-8) teacher and one high school (grades 9-12) teacher.
All entry forms and guidelines for the contests, as well as additional information about Florida’sHispanic Heritage Month and other related events, can be found at FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
Contest Entries and Nominations
Student contest forms and educator nomination forms must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online at FloridaHispanicHeritage.com. Please mail your forms to:
Volunteer Florida
3800 Esplanade Way
Suite 180
Tallahassee, FL 32311
All entries must be mailed to Volunteer Florida or submitted online and received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 15, 2018.
For additional information about Florida’s Hispanic Heritage, contests and other related events, please visit FloridaHispanicHeritage.com.
Image source: FloridaHispanicHeritage.com
Governor Rick Scott, First Lady Ann Scott and Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera’s Statement on the Passing of Jereima “Jeri” Bustamante
Governor Rick Scott, First Lady Ann Scott and Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera made the following statement regarding the passing of Jeri Bustamante in a boating accident.
Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott said, “It is with true sadness that we learned today of the passing of our long time Press Secretary, Jeri Bustamante, who faithfully served in our administration for many years. Anyone who ever spent time with Jeri knows what a terrific and selfless person she was. Her personality filled rooms and hearts. We grieve with her family today.”
Lt. Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera said, “Jeri was a part of our team for many years. She was a joy to work with and cared tremendously about her family, her career and the Floridians she served. I met Jeri when working as Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser and witnessed her passion for media relations firsthand. My family and I are grieving with Jeri’s family and those closest to her.”
Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott Announce 2018 Black History Month Student and Teacher Contest Winners
Student Essay Winners Receive a Four-Year Florida
College Plan from Florida Prepaid College Foundation
Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today announced the 2018 Black History Month student contest winners and Excellence in Education award recipients. This year’s theme was “A Celebration of Innovative African-American Leaders”and the winners were honored last night during the annual Black History Month awards ceremony at the Florida Governor’s Mansion. Black History Month is celebrated every year in Florida during the month of February.
Governor Scott said, “My wife, Ann, and I are honored to celebrate the 2018 Black History Month student and educator contest winners. It’s great to recognize the hard work of these Florida students and educators and celebrate the contributions and achievements of African-Americans throughout our history.”
First Lady Ann Scott said, “It’s an honor to recognize this year’s Black History Month contest winners and thank all of the outstanding students who participated across the state. It is wonderful to see students taking advantage of this opportunity to earn a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship while learning about Florida’s innovative African-American leaders.”
Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Vivian Myrtetus said, “It was a pleasure joining the Governor and First Lady tonight to recognize and celebrate the outstanding work of Florida students and teachers. We are so thankful to all our sponsors who made this important event possible—especially the Florida Prepaid College Foundation which provided three, four-year college scholarships to our essay contest winners.”
Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said, “It is an honor to join Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott in celebrating Black History Month. I applaud these students and educators for the exceptional way in which they recognized the countless African-Americans who have and continue to contribute greatly to our state and nation.”
The 2018 Florida Black History Month theme was “A Celebration of Innovative African American Leaders.”
Award recipients are as follows:
Governor Scott and First Lady Ann Scott honored three outstanding educators with the Excellence in Education Award. These individuals were nominated by students and peers.
Excellence in Education Award winners:
- Hubert Emile, Wicklow Elementary School in Seminole County.
- Billy White, Cornerstone Charter Academy in Orange County.
- Khalifa Stanford, I-Tech Thomas Edison Educational Center in Miami-Dade County.
The following student essay contest winners – one elementary, one middle, and one high school student – earned a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
Essay winners:
- Maiya Bowers, 5th Grade, Florida Virtual Schools in Walton County.
- Bianca Casher, 8th Grade, Miami Lakes Middle School in Miami-Dade County.
- Raphael Brosula, 11th Grade, Strawberry Crest High School in Hillsborough County.
Student art contest winners:
- Kana Reynolds, 1st Grade, Pembroke Pines Charter Elementary School in Broward County, for artwork entitled “Mary McLeod Bethune Opens Doors for Learning.”
- Raheed Garner, 2nd Grade, JD Parker Elementary in Martin County for artwork entitled “Martin’s Big Words.”
- Honorable mentions:
- Julian Bowie, 1st Grade, Central Riverside Elementary School in Duval County, for artwork entitled “A Celebration of Innovative African American Leaders.”
- Kevin Guo, 3rd Grade, Equestrian Trails Elementary School in Broward County, for artwork entitled “Peace on Earth.”
Volunteer Florida also recognized Champion of Service award winner Jordan Griffin, a Tallahassee Community College student who currently serves as president of the Black Male Achievers Program at TCC.
The Black History Month reception and awards are supported by Volunteer Florida, Florida Prepaid College Foundation, and more.
First Lady Ann Scott to visit Clay County schools
MEDIA ADVISORY
Tomorrow, March 21, First Lady Ann Scott will read to students and share her passion for reading and literacy at elementary schools in Clay County.
WHAT: First Lady Ann Scott School Visits
WHEN: March 21, 2018
8:45 am
WHERE: Charles E. Bennett Elementary School
1 South Oakridge Avenue
Green Cove Springs, FL 32043
***
WHEN: 10:25 am
WHERE: Doctors Inlet Elementary School
2634 County Road 220
Middleburg, FL 32068
***
WHEN: 1:15 pm
WHERE: Grove Park Elementary School
1643 Miller Street
Orange Park, FL 32073
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit fldoe.org.
ICYMI: Bradenton Herald: Florida’s First Lady visits three Manatee elementary schools during tour
Florida’s First Lady visits three Manatee elementary schools during tour
Bradenton Herald
Richard Dymond
January 24, 2018
It’s not often that the First Lady of the state drops into Manatee County schools but it happened Tuesday.
Ann Scott, wife of Florida Gov. Rick Scott, visited Willis, McNeal and Tara elementary schools as part of a statewide tour for Celebrate Literacy Week.
While at Willis in Lakewood Ranch, Scott met Savannah Adams, a fifth-grade student who had written a letter to Gov. Scott last year as part of a social studies project.
…
Students holding signs lined the walkway at McNeal, welcoming the First Lady. She was also given a tour by students, as they made their way to the media center.
…
“It was such a pleasure to have Mrs. Scott in our classroom today,” said the fifth-grade teacher, Olivia Mayer. “My students and I are so grateful that she chose our school to visit.”
…
The First Lady’s new book is called “Ally & Jordi’s Adventures Through Florida,” which was named for her daughters. She spoke in detail about her family – and read a passage from the book to every class that she visited in Manatee County.
The First Lady told the students that during this last year of the governor’s term in office, she will continue to focus on reading and literacy by visiting schools across the state.
…
First Lady Ann Scott Awards K-12 Students in the Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! Find Yourself in a Book Contest
First Lady Ann Scott today recognized the winners of the Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! Find Yourself in a Book Contest. First Lady Scott was joined by K-12 Public Schools Chancellor Hershel Lyons and Lottery Secretary Jim Poppell. The award ceremony concludes the week-long celebration of reading and literacy in Florida’s schools.
First Lady Ann Scott said, “I am extremely proud of these students for showcasing their creativity and promoting the value of literacy. It is clear that they are on a path to success, and I am honored to recognize them for their hard work. I urge all Florida students to keep celebrating literacy and make reading a part of their daily routine.”
K-12 Public Schools Chancellor Hershel Lyons said, “Congratulations to all of the students that participated in the Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! Find Yourself in a Book Contests. Literacy is a critical skill that is the building block for lifelong learning, and I am extremely proud of these students for taking the initiative to participate in the contest and sharing the importance of reading with their peers.
“On behalf of the Florida Lottery, congratulations to all of the students who participated in this year’s Celebrate Literacy Week contest,” said Secretary Jim Poppell. “We are proud to once again join First Lady Ann Scott and the Department of Education in support of the integral role literacy plays in the success of Florida’s students and schools.”
The winners of the 2018 Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! statewide contest are below.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
First Place: Crawfordville Elementary School, Wakulla County – “The Bully Curse”
Second Place: Village Green Elementary School, Dade County – “Stand Tall, Isabela Maria Rodriguez”
Third Place: Everglades Elementary, Okeechobee County – “If You Give a School an Ag Teacher”
MIDDLE SCHOOLS
First Place: Swift Creek Middle School, Leon County – “Wonder”
Second Place: Varsity Lakes Middle School, Lee County – “Life as Auggie”
Third Place: King Middle School, Santa Rosa County – “Wonder”
HIGH SCHOOLS
First Place: Donald E. Woods Opportunity Center, Polk County – “The Frankenstein in Me”
Second Place: Paxon School of Advanced Studies, Duval County – “The Ables”
Third Place: Miami Southridge Senior High School, Dade County – “The Tower of Discovery”
To compete in the contest, schools submitted student created books, character videos or movie trailers to illustrate the theme or central message from a book. The prizes were sponsored by the Florida Education Foundation: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. The winning projects will be featured on the Just Read, Florida! website and the Department of Education’s social media pages. Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! is sponsored by the Florida Lottery, LEGOLAND® Florida Resort and the Florida Education Foundation.
For more information about Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!, visit Just Read, Florida!
First Lady Ann Scott Releases Educational Children’s Book Ally & Jordi’s Adventures Through Florida
Fun and informative book helps children explore
Florida’s history, culture, environment and much more
First Lady Ann Scott, in collaboration with the Florida Department of State, today released her new educational children’s book titled Ally & Jordi’s Adventures Through Florida, which takes children on a journey across the state to explore Florida’s history, culture and environment through colorful illustrations, engaging activities and creative content. The book will be distributed to Florida schools and libraries at no cost.
First Lady Ann Scott said, “Reading and literacy is the foundation for a student’s success in life and one of my primary goals as First Lady has been to encourage a love of reading among Florida’s students. I passed my love of reading on to my daughters Allison and Jordan, who inspired the two main characters in the book, and now I do the same with my grandchildren. Ally & Jordi’s Adventures Through Floridacombines my passion for encouraging children to read and my love for our great state. It is my hope that this book will spark a child’s imagination, inspire a passion for reading and teach them about Florida.”
Ally & Jordi’s Adventures Through Florida is a collaboration between First Lady Ann Scott and the Florida Department of State.
“It was an honor for the Florida Department of State to work with First Lady Ann Scott to produce this fantastic children’s book, which showcases fun facts and the unique history behind each part of Florida, and I am so proud of the exceedingly talented team at the department whose creativity and hard work made it possible,” said Secretary of State Ken Detzner. “Recently, the department commemorated 50 years of dedication to our mission of preserving and sharing Florida’s history and there is no better way to celebrate this milestone anniversary than by releasing Ally & Jordi’s Adventures Through Florida, a book that encompasses and propels our mission forward.”
The 52-page book is geared toward students in elementary school. A copy of Ally & Jordi’s Adventures Through Florida will be distributed to elementary school libraries and public libraries throughout the state at no-cost to them. The book is now available for preorder on Amazon for $12.00. All proceeds from book sales will benefit the Friends of the Museums of Florida History Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit citizen support organization of the Florida Department of State that supports the promotion of Florida’s history and culture.
Additional resources for teachers, parents and students are available online at AllyandJordisAdventures.com. The website includes downloadable versions of the puzzles and activities from the book, interactive puzzles that can be done online and a host of other resources to help educators bring Florida history to life in the classroom.
The First Lady will highlight her new book as she visits schools and libraries across the state.
For more information, please visit AllyandJordisAdventures.com.
