Rules unveiled for annual King essay contest in Brookings County

BROOKINGS The Brookings Human Rights Commission is sponsoring its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day essay contest for all Brookings County students in grades 4-12. Dr. King was a supporter of human rights and justice for all.

This contest is designed to further engage our youth with Dr. Kings inspiring legacy, vision, and leadership.

Essay prompts

Intermediate school (grades 4-5): Identify two problems in your school, neighborhood, or community and what you would do to solve these problems. Include a quote from Dr. King and explain how it inspires your solution. (250-500 words; 1-2 pages double spaced)

Middle school (grades 6-8): Building off a quote from Dr. King, describe how you can help create a more just, inclusive, and peaceful society. How can you work with your peers to make a difference? Identify your own aspirations for your community and what Dr. King means to you. (500-750 words; 2-3 pages double spaced)

High school (grades 9-12): Incorporating a quote from Dr. King, explore how the principles of justice and oneness can be used to transform our divided world into a united one. Discuss how Dr. Kings ideals, philosophy, and principles apply to our collective lives and impact your daily life. What solutions would you offer to promote peace and equity in your community? What would be the roles of young people and adults in implementing your solutions? (750-1,000 words; 3-4 pages double spaced)

Criteria

Entries will be judged by members of the Brookings Human Rights Commission and their designees using the following criteria.

• Insightful (30 points): Clearly articulates a point of view that demonstrates critical thinking and analysis.
• Supported (20 points): Uses appropriate examples, reasons, or imagery to support the position.
• Innovative (15 points): Expresses independent thought, creative expression, and an unexpected approach.
• Organized (15 points): Argument is focused, concise, and coherent with a logical flow.
• Impactful (10 points): Conveys meaning and makes a thought-provoking connection to the audience.
• Well-written (10 points): Exhibits skillful use of language; excellent grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Only one entry per participant is permitted. Essays must be the original work of the individual student, not published previously in any form, including online. Any indication of plagiarism or use of artificial intelligence (such as ChatGPT) will be grounds for disqualification.

Poetry will not be considered for this contest. Submissions All entries must be submitted via email to [email protected] no later than 5p.m. CSTonDec. 22. Entries that do not include the following will be returned without review.

• Subject line: 2024 MLK Contest Entry
• Body of email: Students full name (with phonetic pronunciation), grade, teacher, and school; parent/guardians name, mailing address, phone number (home and work, if applicable), and email address.
• Essay attachment: Typed, double-spaced, in 12-point font, conforming to the designated word count.
• Certification of originality: a separate attachment from the students teacher, parent, or guardian declaring that the work submitted is the students own.

Cash prizes will be awarded for first ($100), second ($75), and third ($50) place in the categories of intermediate, middle, and high school students. There must be a minimum of four contestants per category for cash prizes to be awarded in each category.

Winners will be notified by Jan. 8, and should be prepared to share their entries as follows.

• First- and second-place winners will be invited to read their essays at SDSUs MLK Marade on Jan. 15.
• Awards will be presented by Brookings Mayor Oepke “Ope” Niemeyer at theJan. 23 Brookings City Council Meeting, where awardees will be invited to read their essays. For additional information, please visit www.cityofbrookings-sd.gov/MLKContest or contact the Brookings Human Resources Office at 605-697-8668 or by email at [email protected].