The competition has drawn in excess of 7,000 entries since its inception. The contest is open to Harrisburg’s public and parochial school students in grades seven through twelve. Each entrant is asked to write an essay based on a pre-selected topic relative to the teachings of Dr. King in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day (January 18, 2010) and to further keep his “Dream of peace and equality” alive throughout the generations!
Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the three top entries in each grade level including the 2nd Annual “Evangelene L. Wormsley-Kimber Award for Excellence.” This award was created last year to memorialize Ms. Kimber’s life as an outstanding educator and former Principal of John Harris High School at the time of her passing on September 15, 2008. The award will be presented to the best over-all essay entered in the competition as chosen by the panel of judges.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Competition is conducted in the Harrisburg School District and Harrisburg parochial schools each year. The competition is sponsored by PinnacleHealth, with additional prize sponsors also contributing to the winner’s gift bags.