The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission announced last week the annual essay contest for the upcoming holiday event.

“Every year, this essay contest tends to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of our yearly celebration and the commission and event attendees truly look forward to what our state’s youth have to say regarding the legacy of Dr. King and I encourage all of our students to participate in this year’s contest,” said Representative Raymond A. Hull who chairs the committee.

Four winners will be chosen (two middle school students and two high school students) and prizes of $100 will be awarded to the first place entries and a $50 prize will be awarded to the second place entries.  The contest is open to all middle and high school students in Rhode Island.

High school students are asked to write a speech that identifies and explains their dream of a society that reflects the values and principles of Dr. King.

Middle school students are asked to write a letter to Dr. King that expresses gratitude, seeks advice, and presents a possible solution to racial inequalities in our modern times.

The contest rules are as follows:

Entries must be from RI middle or high school students

Essays must be typed in the Microsoft Word format and limited to 500-750 (middle school) or 750-1000 words (high school)

Essays must include completed parental permission form (attached) and be submitted individually as the original work of only one student

Essays and permission forms MUST be electronically submitted to RIMLKESSAY@gmail.com

The Commission reserves the right to promote, publish, and/or distribute any or all entries.

The deadline for applicants is Thursday, Dec. 15.