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Empowering Voices.
Inspiring Tomorrow.
THHI ESSAY CONTEST
Our Essay Contest encourages high school and middle school students to share their perspective on identity, leadership, culture and the Hispanic experience in the Tampa Bay area.
WHY WE WRITE
Every generation
has a story to tell.
The THHI Essay Contest invites students to explore identity, leadership, culture, resilience and Hispanic legacy through the power if writing.
Because every great leader begins with a voice.
The Essay Contest is open to students in grades 6-12 residing in the Tampa Bay area. Each year, the essay topic will change, focusing on different aspects of Hispanic history or culture. The contest features four categories, each offering cash awards for the top three entries.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third-place winners in each category. The awards will be presented during the reception.
Winners will be celebrated at the Essay Contest Brunch Ceremony, where they, along with their teacher and one parent, will receive complimentary admission. Additional tickets can be purchased by clicking on the "Purchase Tickets" link.
We encourage everyone in the community to attend and support this wonderful event.
Apply by Friday, November 13th, 2026.
The main purpose of this contest it to heighten the awareness of Hispanic culture and its many contributions to our community, state, and country.
Essay Contest Rules
All entries must be typed and should be 800 words or less. Entries must be submitted online.
All information on the application must be completed. Entry will be automatically disqualified if any information is missing or not received by the submission deadline: Friday, November 13th, 2026.
This contest is open to students attending 6th through 12th grade in a public, private, or homeschool program in Hillsborough, surrounding counties, private schools, and homeschooled students.
Attention Teachers
To leverage teachers' expertise in writing, each teacher is requested to review all student essays and select and submit the top three from each class. Entries must be submitted online through the essay application form on this page.
Judging
Entries will be judged anonymously by a panel of area educators and other prominent members of the community. The decisions of the judges will be final. (Essays become the property of Tampa Hispanic Heritage, Inc.)
Awards
Winners will be recognized at our Essay Contest Awards Breakfast in the spring of 2027 (date to be announced)
**The teacher of each 1st Place winner will receive an award for classroom supplies.**