Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – Living the Dream, Inc.

2018 Student Essay Competition

Living the Dream, Inc. is sponsoring its 17th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.StudentEssayCompetitionfor Topeka area students in grades first through twelve.

Prizes and Recognition

Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rdplace winners in each grade category on Monday, January 15, 2018at10:30am duringthe King Holiday Celebrationat the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site located at 1515 SE Monroe.All winners and non-winners will receive a certificate of participation. The winning essays will be displayed at the Brown National Historic Site, January 15-19, 2018. Each winner’s name willbe printed in the Topeka Capital-Journal or on-line as print spaceallows.

Essay Grade Categories

The essays will be judged in the following grade competition categories:

1st -2ndGrade 3-4th Grade 5-6th Grade 7-8th Grade 9-10th Grade 11-12th Grade

Essay Guidelines

  • Grades 1st–6th: TYPED OR HANDWRITTEN (legible) in 100 words or less
  • Grades 7th–12th: TYPED OR HANDWRITTEN (legible) in 500 words or less
  • All entries submitted shall be double-spaced and submitted in a neat format as the winning essays will be displayed. The student’s name should onlyappear on the Essay entry form.
  • Failure to comply with the entry rules will result in the essay not being eligible for judging or awards.
  • Graduating high school seniors must submit a separate essay for the Living the Dream, Inc.College Scholarship Application form.

Essay Themes

The essay should represent the writer’s interpretation of diversity, peace, unity, justice, human rights, or non-violence as reflected in quotes or principles from advocates such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mahatma K. Ghandi, César E. Chavez, Nelson Mandela or another greatcivil rights leader. Students may also submit anessaythat promotes the2018 Living the Dream Youth Theme: “Young Freedom Fighters Who Wouldn’t Let Go.”

Where Do I SendMy Essay?

All essays and completed entry forms can be mailed or delivered to:Betty Young, Chairperson,Living the Dream Essay Competition, Burnett Administrative Center, 624 SW 24th Street,Topeka, KS 66611 oremailed to: .If you should have questions about the Essay Competition,please contact Ms. Young at (785) 295-3087.

When is the Essay CompetitionDeadline?

All entries must be signed, postmarked and submitted no later than 4:30 pm on Monday, December4, 2017. Allwinners will be notified during the week of January 7, 2018.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – Living the Dream, Inc.

2018 Student Essay Competition Entry Form

School Name: ______Teacher:______

(Please print or type)

Teacher’s Email Address______

Grade Category: (Please check a grade category and circle your grade.)

 1st-2ndGrade 3rd-4th Grade 5th-6thGrade

7th-8th Grade  9th-10th Grade 11th-12th Grade

Student’s Name ______Student’s Age_________

Student’s Address ______

Student’s Phone Number______Student’sEmail Address______

Title of Essay_______

______

I understand that my child’s essay will be entered and judged in the Living the Dream, Inc. Student Essay Competition. I further understand and consent to any subsequent printing and display of the essay as deemed appropriate by Living the Dream, Inc. I understand that this essay is submitted for the sole purpose of this Competition and will not be sold or otherwise used for any commercial purpose unless permission is given by me, as guardian of the above named student. I understand that this essay will only be considered if postmarked, signed and submitted by4:30 pm onMonday, December4, 2017. I consent to the use of this submission to be judged in the Essay Competition and fully understand that my child has no entitlements or guarantees of prizes or recognition as a result of this entry, unless he or she is selected as one of the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place winners by the designated judges for the Competition.

Parent or Legal Guardian (Print Name)______

Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian ______Date______

Email Address of Parent/Legal Guardian______

Phone Number of Parent/Legal Guardian______

Student’s Name (Print Name)______

Student’s Signature ______Date______

All essays and the signed entry form should be postmarked and mailed or deliveredby 4:30 pm on December 4, 2017to Betty Young, Chairperson,Living the Dream Essay Competition,Burnett Administrative Center, 624 SW 24th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66611 ore-mailed to: .