Osceola County student among state Black History Month winners
The Florida Department of Education announced the winners of its state Black History Month educator and student art and essay contests. The 2026 theme was “Celebrating Black History.”
Third-grader Madison Cruess of Westside K-8 was among four statewide winners in the Student Art Contes. Each received a $200 gift card for school supplies and a one-year pass to Florida state parks.
“We are incredibly proud to recognize these outstanding students and educators whose creativity and dedication bring the stories of Black history to life in meaningful ways,” said CEO of Volunteer Florida, Josie Tamayo. “Their work not only honors the past, but also inspires a spirit of service, leadership, and unity that will shape Florida’s future for generations to come.”
Poinsette Foundation invests in four school food pantries
A $75,000 investment from the Poinsette Foundation will help Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida expand its School Partnerships Program, as well as food markets or pantries at Sunrise Elementary School, Chestnut Elementary School and Tohopekaliga High School, while continuing to support Benny’s Bodega at Kissimmee Elementary School. The latter opened a year ago through funding from the Poinsette Foundation.
This multi-year commitment from the Poinsette Foundation reinforces Second Harvest’s ability to build sustainable, long-term solutions to childhood hunger while deepening partnerships with schools that serve some of the community’s most vulnerable students, the local food provider said.
