ATHENS-Students can share their ideas for promoting freedom and justice as part of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Essay Contest.
The contest is held in conjunction with the Limestone County NAACP, City of Athens and Limestone County Commission and is for students in Athens and Limestone County. There are cash prizes for first, second and third place in three age categories. Winners will read their essays at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Program on Jan. 16 at 9:30 a.m. at the Limestone County Event Center.
The age groups and their themes are as follows:
- Ages 6 – 12
Martin Luther King, Jr. gave a historic speech titled “I have a Dream.” What was his dream for freedom and justice? What progress has been made toward the dream? What can you do to promote freedom and justice in your home, school and community?
- Ages 13 – 15
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Why is it important for each individual to promote justice in order to advance the dream?
- Ages 16 – 18
Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote a letter titled “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” In this letter he said, “It is wrong to use immoral means to attain moral ends. It is just as wrong…to use moral means to preserve immoral ends.” How does this quote relate to advancing the dream of freedom and justice in America?
Here are the requirements for essay submissions:
- Must be a student attending a school in Athens or Limestone County.
- No more than one page in length and typed or written legibly.
- The student must write the essay. Counselors and parents may assist but the essay should be the words and thoughts of the student.
- Include the student’s name, age and a phone number on the upper right corner of the essay.
- The essay will be judged on clarity, content, grammar and how well the theme is developed based on age
of the writer.
- The winners in each category will read their essays during the MLK program on Jan. 16, 2017, 9:30 a.m.
at the Limestone County Event Center.
- The first, second and third place winners in each age group will receive a cash award.
If you have any questions contact Benard Simelton at 256-426-6406 or 256-444-1300.
Deadline for submissions is Jan. 9. Please email essays to MLK Essay Contest, P.O. Box 1071, Athens, AL 35612 or hand deliver to Vicky Dowd at City Hall in the Mayor’s Office.
