Feb. 27, 2025
Madeira Beach Fundamental student Evangeline “Eva” Baldwin won the Florida Black History Essay Contest.
She was one of six students overall and one of two middle school students to win the contest. Essay winners included two elementary students, two middle school students, and two high school students.
She will receive a two-year Florida College Plan Scholarship and a $100 gift card for school supplies. Eva was invited to accept the award on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee.
This year’s theme is Honoring African American Contributions to Florida’s Success.
The subject of her story was Elder Jordan Sr., one of the heroes commemorated by the African American Heritage Association of St. Petersburg. Eva and her father, Will Baldwin, have both been members of and volunteers for the association.
Jordan was born into slavery and purchased his freedom. He became an important figure in the St. Petersburg community. To learn more, see Eva's award-winning essay.
Eva's father shared that she wants to be either an engineer or architect when she gets older. She was inspired by Elder Jordan's story and how he helped build part of St. Petersburg.
The Black History Month Student and Educator Contests are made possible through a collaboration between the Department of Education, Volunteer Florida, the Florida Lottery and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.
Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the winners of the Black History Month student art and essay contests today. The competition also included an Excellence in Education Award for educators.
