Earning some extra credit wound up leading to an extra special bonus for 13-year-old Alex Puertas.

The Pembroke Pines teen was one of three winners of Florida Gov. Charlie Crist's Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest. As result, he will receive a four-year Florida Prepaid College Scholarship. The scholarship, established by the Governor's Office in 2003, is presented to students in elementary, middle and high school levels who compose outstanding essays.

``I was kind of shocked, I didn't know what to say when my parents told me I had won," said Alex, an eighth grader at Walter C. Young Middle School.

Valued at $16,625, the scholarship will covers four years of tuition and local fees at a public state university or community college.

``It is such a blessing. I don't think it has completely set in yet,'' said Alex, a straight ``A'' student whose essay was selected from more than 730 entries.

The topic for middle and high school students: ``Florida's history is deeply rooted with Hispanic influences. Describe how the early Hispanic explorers impacted our state in the 1500s, and how that has influenced Florida's culture today''

When Alex started his research, he was intrigued to find that Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon originally named the area Pascua Florida, or Flowery Easter because he was struck by the landscape.

``I thought that was cool, that the first thing he saw about Florida was how beautiful it was, and how lush the landscape was,'' he said.

``Just as the settlers came to this new land with hopes and dreams, so do people continue to flock to Florida's ports seeking freedom, wealth and a new beginning,'' Alex wrote in his essay.

Alex, whose father came to the U.S. from Venezuela, decided to write the essay at the urging of a teacher, who offered students extra credit if they entered a writing contest. Alex said he chose the Hispanic Heritage Month contest because of the prize at stake. While he's not sure about what he'd like to study, his goal is to attend college.

``It is something I have wanted to do since I was little,'' said Alex, who has two younger sisters, Sophie and Gabri.

His parents, Heather and Alex Puertas Sr., said financial constraints have made it difficult to invest monthly in the Florida's prepaid plan.

``When the obstacle of payment is removed, it really opens up opportunity to choose where he wants to go to school and study whatever it is he chooses,'' said his mother, who is working toward a degree in special education.

In addition to winning the scholarship, Alex also had the opportunity to meet with Gov. Crist at the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee during the recent Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

``I kind of felt it was pretty cool just to make it there,'' Alex said.

For more information on the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, visit floridaprepaidcollegefoundation.com. For more information on the Florida Prepaid College Plans, please visit myfloridaprepaid.com or call 1-800-552-GRAD (4723).

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