The City of Ocoee marked Black History Month with a series of meaningful initiatives to honor the contributions of African Americans and engage the next generation in reflection and learning. At its February 3 City Commission meeting, the City issued a formal proclamation recognizing the month and highlighting “the transformational contributions of the African American community, which has overcome tremendous adversity to build lasting change for generations to come.”
Central to the City’s celebration was its 21st Annual Black History Month Essay Contest, a long-standing tradition that invites fifth-grade students from Ocoee-area schools to explore the significance of Black history. This year’s prompt challenged students to reflect on the 100th anniversary of Black History Month and consider its importance, personal impact, and the inspirational stories they have learned about African Americans’ contributions to American history.
Six schools participated in the 2026 contest: Hope Charter School, Lake Whitney Elementary, Ocoee Elementary, Maxey Elementary, Thornebrooke Elementary, and Westbrooke Elementary. Winners were recognized during the March 3 City Commission meeting, where families, teachers, and school leaders gathered to celebrate the students’ achievements. To watch the presentation, please visit the Ocoee TV YouTube channel at youtube.com/watch?v=fRujKbDWY1Q.
Roshni Beharrysingh of Hope Charter School was named the overall winner and read her essay aloud during the meeting. In addition to receiving a $200 Best Buy gift card, she was awarded a dinner for four donated by Chick-fil-A of Ocoee. She will also serve as the grand marshal for the City’s 2027 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Parade and Celebration—an honor that reflects both her accomplishment and the City’s commitment to uplifting youth voices. To read the winning essay, visit ocoee.org/BHM_Essay.
First-place winners included Haven Elizabeth Bennett (Lake Whitney Elementary), Makayla Fagg (Ocoee Elementary), Viktoria J. Harris (Maxey Elementary), Ambur Patterson (Thornebrooke Elementary), and Hayley Marks (Westbrooke Elementary). Each received a $100 Best Buy gift card and a gift bag with City of Ocoee promotional items. Additional awards were presented to second- and third-place recipients, supported in part by community partners including Dr. Sandria Foster and Chick-fil-A of Ocoee.
Beyond the essay contest, Ocoee expanded its celebration through educational programming and public displays. Throughout February, Ocoee TV aired special segments highlighting influential figures and key moments in African American history. Visitors to City Hall could also view biographical portraits of notable Black Americans, offering an accessible, visual way to learn about individuals who have shaped the nation’s story.
Through its proclamation, student engagement efforts, and community programming, the City of Ocoee continues to foster awareness, appreciation, and dialogue—ensuring that Black History Month is not only commemorated, but actively experienced by residents of all ages.
