Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Essay & Poster Contest

January 20, 2025, marked a national holiday to honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This was also the day for the 2025 OKC MLK Alliance National Holiday events. There were live events throughout the Holiday weekend, and as a community, we really outdid ourselves again this year! Each year, we represent what it means to unite as one community. The MLK Holiday Events and Parade bring us together as a sign of UNITY and a demonstration of keeping the dream alive.

The Essay & Poster Contest is just another opportunity for our school aged students to participate in and learn more about the history of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is the main reason for our 2025 Theme:

"Show Love"

We have always and will continue to display the virtues that will honor Dr. King’s life and work! We are requesting all participants to write an essay and/or design a poster representing the theme above.

We will award the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place essay & poster contest winners, from each category: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4. The awards will be given to the essay & poster that meets all the required criteria and receives the most points established by the contest review committee. You will be notified of the winners via email on Thursday, March 27th. Details on how the winners will receive their awards will be provided at that time.

Below you will find the Essay & Poster Registration Form, Awards Category List and Contest Criteria that will be used to judge each submission. Please review with participants who are interested in participating.

ALL submissions will be picked up on Tuesday, March 25th
NO email submissions
NO Essays and/or Posters will be accepted after pickup

Please contact me if you have any questions, concerns or need additional information. We also invite you to visit our website and follow us on Facebook. Thank you for your continued participation and support. You are vital to the overall success and purpose of the OKC MLK Alliance’ Essay & Poster Contest.

Essay & Poster Registration Form

Contest Criteria

Essay

Write an essay on the following theme: “Show Love”

It must be the work of the participant and in his/her own words. No AI Assistance Allowed: All submissions must be entirely created by the participant without the use of artificial intelligence (AI), including but not limited to AI-generated text, images, music, or design elements. Any entry found to have utilized AI tools or assistance will be disqualified.

Minimum 50-word essay for Level 1 students in 3rd & 4th grade (Level 1 participants – must include your name, grade, may be handwritten, and double spaced)

Minimum 125-word essay for Level 2 students in 5th & 6th grade (Level 2 participants – must include your name, grade, be typed, and double-spaced with correct format)

Minimum 150-word essay for Level 3 students in 7th & 8th grade (Level 3 participants – must include your name, grade, be typed, and double-spaced with correct format)

Minimum 200-word essay for Level 4 students in 9th – 12th grade (Level 4 participants - must include your name, grade, be typed, and double-spaced with correct format)

Essay criteria for points:

· Theme ----------------- 15pts

· Originality -------------- 10pts

· Neatness --------------- 15pts

· Factual ---------------- 20pts

· Grammar --------------- 20pts

· Correct Spelling ---------- 20pts

Max Essay points allowed -- 100pts

Poster

Design a poster about the following theme: “Show Love”

All submissions must be entirely created by the participants.

The posters must be on poster board paper size: 22x28 inches.

Digital posters must be printed in size: 22x28 inches.

Poster criteria for points:

· Theme ----------------- 15pts

· Originality -------------- 10pts

· Neatness --------------- 15pts

· Factual ---------------- 20pts

· Grammar --------------- 20pts

· Correct Spelling ---------- 20pts

Max Poster points allowed -- 100pts

Inspirational Resources

“Greatness is determined by service!”

– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The OKC MLK Alliance offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups. We have volunteer opportunities to match a wide range of interests and time commitment.