MLK Essay Contest Winners Announced
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest Banquet on Tuesday, Jan. 22, recognized
eighth- and ninth-graders who participated in the contest that honored the legacy
of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The contest was sponsored by the Fairmont State University Office of Student Affairs
and the Fairmont State GEAR UP Partnership.
The essay topic was the answer to King's question: "Life's most urgent question is
'what are you doing for others?'" King believed in a commitment to social change,
and students explained how they see themselves answering his call to civic responsibility.
Cash prizes were awarded for first place ($500); second place ($300); and third place
($200).
Ryan Zahalka, a freshman at Morgantown High School, took first place. He wrote about
the importance of King's principles during his lifetime and today. Tessa Wiegand,
a freshman at University High School, won second place. She wrote about the significance
of King's "I Have a Dream" speech and the need to help others. Nicole Marton, an eighth-grader
at Bridgeport Middle School, won third place. She wrote about the impact King's writings
and speeches have had over time.
"I think this is a great opportunity for all students to learn about the great, late
Dr. King," said Persis Bates, FSU Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs. "This contest
allows students to go beyond the classroom and create an essay that reflects Dr. King's
beliefs. Hopefully, as part of our goal, the participants will get a chance to express
their commitment to making a change in today's society in relation to Dr. King's statement
on social change and civic engagement."
One of the goals of the contest was to encourage students to read some of King's
writings. All students were encouraged to show in their writing that they reflected
on one or more of King's speeches or essays. Teachers submitted the top three essays
from their schools as contest entries. The essays were judged by faculty members of
the FSU Department of Language and Literature.
Guest speaker for the event was Todd McFadden, Associate Director of the West Virginia
University Center for Black Culture.
