Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
2015 Student Essay Competition
Living the Dream, Inc.
Living the Dream, Inc. is sponsoring its 14th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Essay
Competition for Topeka area students in grades first through twelve.
Prizes and Recognition
Prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners in each grade category on Friday,
January 16, 2015 at 9:15 am at the Phillip V. Ashford Stop the Violence Day held at Washburn
University’s White Concert Hall, 1700 SW Jewell. All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
Each winner’s name will be printed in the Topeka Capital-Journal or on-line as print space allows.
Essay Grade Categories
The essays will be judged in the following grade competition categories:
1st -2nd Grade
3-4th Grade
5-6th Grade
7-8th Grade
9-10th Grade
11-12th Grade
Essay Guidelines
 Grades 1st – 6th: TYPED OR HANDWRITTEN (legible) in 100 words or less
 Grades 7th – 12th: TYPED OR HANDWRITTEN (legible) in 500 words or less
 All entries submitted shall be double-spaced and submitted in a neat format as the winning essays
will be displayed. The student’s name should only appear on the Essay entry form.
 Failure to comply with entry rules will result in the essay not being eligible for judging or awards.
 Graduating high school seniors must submit a separate essay for the Living the Dream college
scholarship application.
Essay Themes
The essay should represent the writer’s interpretation of peace, diversity, justice, human rights, or nonviolence as reflected in a quote or principle from advocates such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Mahatma K. Ghandi, César E. Chavez, Nelson Mandela or another great leader who promoted these
principles. Students may also submit an essay that promotes our 2015 Living the Dream Theme: “Life’s
Most Persistent and Urgent Question is - What are You Doing For Others?” a quote expressed by Dr.
King.
Where Do I Send My Essay?
All essays and completed entry forms should be mailed, delivered, or emailed to: Betty Young, Living the
Dream Essay Competition, Burnett Administrative Center, 624 SW 24th Street, Topeka, KS 66611,
E-mail: [email protected]. If you should have questions about the Essay Competition, please contact
Betty Young at (785) 295-3087.
When is the Essay Competition Deadline?
All entries must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2014. All winners will be
notified during the week of January 5, 2015.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
2015 Student Essay Competition Entry Form
Living the Dream, Inc.
School Name: ______________________________________ Teacher:__________________________
(Please print or type)
Grade Category: (Please check a grade category and circle your grade.)
_____ 1st-2nd Grade
_____ 7th-8th Grade
Student’s Name:
_____ 3rd-4th Grade
_____ 9th-10th Grade
______ 5th-6th Grade
______11th-12th Grade
________________________________________ Student’s Age: ________________
Student’s Address: _____________________________________________________________________
Student’s Phone Number:_______________ Student’s Email Address:___________________________
Title of Essay: _________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
I understand that my child’s essay will be entered and judged in the Living the Dream, Inc. Student Essay
Competition. I further understand and consent to any subsequent printing and display of the essay as
deemed appropriate by Living the Dream, Inc. I understand that this essay is submitted for the sole purpose
of this Competition and will not be sold or otherwise used for any commercial purpose unless permission is
given by me, as guardian of the above named student. I understand that this essay will only be considered if
submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2014. I consent to the use of this submission to be
judged in the Essay Competition and fully understand that my child has no entitlements or guarantees of
prizes or recognition as a result of this entry, unless he or she is selected as one of the 1 st, 2nd, or 3rd place
winners by the designated judges for the Competition.
THE ESSAY ENTRY FORM MUST BE SIGNED TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE COMPETITION.
Parent or Legal Guardian (Print Name)_____________________________________________________
Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian ______________________________________________________
Email Address of Parent/Legal Guardian____________________________________________________
Phone Number of Parent/Legal Guardian____________________________________________________
Student’s Name (Print Name)_____________________________________________________________
Student’s Signature ____________________________________________________________________
Date _______________________________________________________________________________
Note: Please submit your essay and the entry form to: Betty Young, Living the Dream Essay
Competition, Burnett Administrative Center, 624 SW 24th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66611 or by e-mail
to: [email protected].