MLK Jr. Essay Contest Banquet Planned

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Banquet will honor sixth- and seventh-graders who have participated in an essay contest that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

During the event, planned for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at the Falcon Center Gym 1 on the FSU main campus, the three contest winners will be named. The essay topic is "Who was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how has his dream affected your life?" Cash prizes will be awarded for first place ($300), second place ($200) and third place ($100).

"This contest allows students to go beyond the classroom and apply their knowledge about Dr. King in an essay," said Persis Bates, Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs. "Hopefully, as part of our goal, participants will get a chance to express their opinions about his dream and its effects on their lives."

The essays will be judged by faculty members of the Fairmont State University Department of Language and Literature. For more information about the contest or the banquet, call Persis Bates at (304) 367-4215. Those planning to attend the banquet should RSVP to that number by Jan. 9.