ESSAY CONTEST
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.
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We encourage everyone in the community to attend and support this wonderful event.
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Apply by November 14th, 2025.
Write Your Story
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Tu Historia
Topic:
Hispanics: United by Culture, Driven by Dreams
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​
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All entries must be typed and should be 800 words or less. Entries must be submitted online.
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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 14th, 2025.
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This contest is open to students attending 6th through 12th grade in a public, private, or homeschool program in the Hillsborough County area.
Attention Teachers
To utilize the expertise of teachers regarding good writing skills, each teacher is requested to review all student essays and select and submit the top three from each of their classes. Entries must be submitted online through the essay application form on this page.
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For more information, visit our website www.tampahispanic.org/essaycontest.
Judging
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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
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Winners will be recognized at our Essay Contest Awards Breakfast in the spring of 2026 (date to be announced)
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**The teacher of each 1st Place winner will receive an award for classroom supplies.**