U-46 launches essay contest to honor MLK's legacy

Elgin Area School District U-46 is launching a Martin Luther King Jr. Scholars Program to recognize talented student writers and artists in honor of the slain civil rights leader.

Fifteen students ­- one from each of the district's middle and high schools ­- will be awarded a certificate of excellence at a January ceremony for their winning essays about King's legacy. Another student will be recognized for creating the medallion that will be awarded to the winners.

"This inaugural scholars program encourages students to think critically about the world around them and remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the year, not just for one day," U-46 CEO Tony Sanders said. "The students who are invited to respond to this essay prompt have a chance to inspire us as they remember a leader who showed us a better way through his courage, love and service to humanity."

Middle and high school students who maintain a grade-point average of 2.5 or more are eligible for the program. Students must write an essay between 500 and 1,000 words about "How Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Changed Our World."

The Scholars Program medallion design competition winner will be recognized with a certificate of excellence and a medallion bearing the winning design.

Interested students must create a design for the front of the medal reflecting the spirit of King and U-46. The border of the design should be circular, about 80 millimeter in diameter, and bear the U-46 logo.

Candidates for the essay and medallion design contests must submit their applications by 5 p.m. Dec. 1 to Karina Luviano, the district's prekindergarten-20 college readiness and equity coordinator, at karinaluviano@u-46.org or to the Educational Service Center, 355 E. Chicago Ave., Elgin.

Winners will be notified the week of Dec. 14. They must attend the Jan. 17 awards ceremony starting 4 p.m. at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin.