“Whether you’re talking about George Washington Carver and his innovations with crop rotation and peanuts or Dr. Mark Dean and the contributions he made to the modern personal computer, our society is stronger today because of the achievements of so many African-American pioneers,” Governor Scott said. “Together, Lt. Governor Carroll and I are committed to making sure every student has the opportunity for a superior education so we can watch our children continue the innovations that make us competitive and help create jobs.”

“As chair of Space Florida, I was excited to have this year’s theme dedicated to the S.T.E.M initiatives and how African-Americans have played a vital part in technology advancements. Our essay winners are remarkable in their research and knowledge in showcasing African-American science pioneers whose inventions saved and improved many lives. I hope these students will continue their curiosity in science and become our future astronauts, scientist, technicians or engineers to help Florida lead the world in commercial, international, manned and un-manned space programs,” Lt. Governor Carroll said. “Governor Scott and I are working to make Florida a place where the American dream of economic prosperity is possible for everyone.”

Featured artist Kelvin Hair teaches art for the Children’s Home Society (Fort Pierce) and Better Day at Macedonia church in Gifford, Florida. Hair is a member of “The Florida Highwaymen,” a group of African-American artists who painted Florida landscape portraits in the 1950s and became successful by selling their artwork from the trunks of cars alongside the highway. Hair’s father, Alfred Hair, was one of the first two Florida Highwaymen artists.

Governor Scott, Mrs. Scott and Lt. Governor Carroll will honor three outstanding African-American educators with the Excellence in Education Award. These individuals were nominated by students and peers, and each will receive a $1,500 cash award.

Excellence in Education educator award winners are:

• Crystal Lang – Frontier Elementary School in Loxahatchee, Palm Beach County, Grade 5 mathematics.
• Haronique Durham – Mandarin Lakes School in Homestead, Miami-Dade County, Grade 8 U.S. History.
• Sylvia Gibson – Palm Beach Gardens High School in Palm Beach County, Grades 11 and 12 English.

Three student essay-contest winners, who all focused on African-American pioneers in the fields of Science and Technology will also be honored. Winners will receive a four-year Florida College Plan scholarship provided by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

Student essay contest winners are:

• Diamond Brown – W.E. Cherry Elementary in Jacksonville, Duval County, Grade 4.
• Nya Jones – Polo Park Middle School in Wellington, Palm Beach County, Grade 8.
• Alexander Touchton – Mandarin High School in Jacksonville, Duval County, Grade 11.

Two art-contest winners will also be recognized. Each winner will receive a $250 cash award.

Student art contest winners are:

• Gabriela La Rosa – Gateway Environmental K-8 Learning Center in Homestead, Miami-Dade County, Kindergarten.
• Cody Lee Shirokey – Charles Drew Elementary in Pompano Beach, Broward County, Grade 3.

The Black History Month reception is supported by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, AT&T, Prudential, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Mosaic, Wells Fargo, Publix Super Markets Inc. and Scholastic Inc. Other partners include Florida’s Foundation, the Florida Department of State, the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Governor’s Mansion Foundation.

Information about the contests and Florida’s Black History Month is available on Florida’s Black History Month website, www.FloridaBlackHistory.com.

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Rhone, 27, of Fort Myers, is a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch. Previously, he was a client sales and service officer for Bank of America from 2006 to 2012. His community service includes being an inaugural member of the G.A.I.N. Program (Growing Associates in Naples) and a past board member with Youth Leadership Collier. Rhone received a bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University where he also served as student body treasurer and vice president. He is appointed for a term beginning February 21, 2012, and ending May 31, 2013.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

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Photo of Braxton Rhone

Sellen, 64, of Cape San Blas, is a self-employed clinical research consultant. Her community involvement includes membership in the Sacred Heart Hospital Guild and serving as first vice president of the Reserve Officers Association League. Sellen received a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina. She succeeds Carey Scott and is appointed for a term beginning February 20, 2012, and ending July 1, 2015.

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Bradley, 71, of Gainesville, has been the pastor of Kingdom Life Ministries since 2005. He previously was an agency owner with Allstate Insurance Company from 1978 to 2000. He has served on the Santa Fe College Board of Trustees since 1998 and the Santa Fe College Endowment Board since 1999. He is also a past member of the Gainesville Housing Authority Board and the Eighth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee. Bradley served in the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1968 and received a bachelor’s degree from Bethune-Cookman College.

Bradley will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Rodney Long and will serve until November 19, 2012.

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Photo of Winston J. Bradley

Dr. Lage, 50, of Coral Gables, has been a pediatrician at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine since 1992. She serves on the board of directors for the National Hispanic Medical Association and is a member of the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Minority Women’s Health Panel of Experts. Born in Havana, Cuba, Dr. Lage received an associate degree from Miami Dade College and a medical degree from Universidad Central del Este. She is reappointed for a term beginning February 17, 2012, and ending October 31, 2014.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

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Ehrig, 49 of Orlando, is an architect and project manager at HHCP Architects Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning February 17, 2012, and ending October 31, 2015.

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

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Sheila S. Hopkins, 62, of Tallahassee, is the associate director of the Florida Catholic Conference. She is reappointed for a term beginning February 17, 2012, and ending July 18, 2015.

Carl E. Reeves, 49, of Pensacola, is the pastor of the Greater Mount Lily Missionary Baptist Church. He is reappointed for a term beginning February 17, 2012, and ending July 18, 2015.

Arto Woodley Jr., 46, of Orlando, is the president of Frontline Outreach Inc. He is reappointed for a term beginning February 17, 2012, and ending July 18, 2013.

Kirt E. Anderson, 59, of Naples, is the pastor of Naples Community Church. He succeeds Juda Attkisson and is appointed for a term beginning February 17, 2012, and ending July 18, 2015.

Charles L. Bender, 41, of Palm Beach Gardens, is the founding executive director of Place of Hope Inc. He succeeds John Brabson and is appointed for a term beginning February 17, 2012, and ending July 18, 2013.

Julia W. Boyd, 52, of Lakeland, is the vice president of development and communications for Florida Baptist Children’s Homes Inc. She is appointed for a term beginning February 17, 2012, and ending July 18, 2012.

Rev. Stephen “Spike” Hogan, 53, of Jacksonville, is the lead pastor of Chets Creek Church. He succeeds Dr. Carolyn Stewart and is appointed for a term beginning February 17, 2012, and ending July 18, 2015.

Matthew D. McCluskey, 28, of Jacksonville, is a missionary with Go To Nations. He succeeds Dr. Andre Esteves and is appointed for a term beginning February 17, 2012, and ending July 18, 2013.

Cherron “C.C.” Newby, 51, of Jacksonville, is an instructor at the Clara White Mission. She succeeds Yvonne Sawyer and is appointed for a term beginning February 17, 2012, and ending July 18, 2013.

Pam L. Olsen, 56, of Tallahassee, is the executive director of the International House of Prayer Tallahassee Mission Base. She succeeds Jo Ann Hill and is appointed for a term beginning February 17, 2012, and ending July 18, 2013.

Charles J. Scriven, 79, of Tallahassee, is the minister of Corinth Christian Fellowship. He succeeds John Fogg and is appointed for a term beginning February 17, 2012, and ending July 18, 2013.

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