MLK Essay Contest Winners Announced

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Banquet on Tuesday, Jan. 16, recognized sixth- and seventh-graders who participated in an essay contest that honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

During the event at Fairmont State University, three contest winners were named. The essay topic was "Who was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how has his dream affected your life?" Cash prizes were awarded for first place ($300), second place ($200) and third place ($100).

The first place winner is Matt Bartrug, a sixth-grader at Dunbar Middle School. His essay is titled, "How Has the Dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Affected My Life?" The second place winner is Oshin C. Diaz of West Union, who is a seventh grader and is homeschooled. The title of his essay is "King's 'Dream Comes True." The third place winner is Kristina Crislip, a seventh-grader at Pickens School in Helvetia. Her essay's title is "Who Was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and How Has His Dream Affected Your Life?"

The guest speaker was Dr. Mary Mazey, Dean of the West Virginia University Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

Mazy said of Dr. King that "we must remember his leadership and remember the challenge he issued to us as a nation and as individuals."

FSU President Dan Bradley and Pierpont Community & Technical College President Blair Montgomery gave remarks during the event. The FSU African Drum and Dance Ensemble performed several songs of welcome and celebration.

"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. "Participants got a chance to express their opinions about his dream and its effects on their lives."

The essays were judged by faculty members of the FSU Department of Language and Literature.