Martin Luther King Jr Creative Contest

Are you interested in participating in our annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. contest for youth? Read below for all the details!

Creative Prompt

Write a poem or short essay that uses and responds to the theme and your grade’s inspirational quote listed below. Think about how both the theme and the inspirational quote apply to our community and/or your personal experiences today to guide your response.

Theme:

Reigniting, Celebrating, and Becoming the Dream

K- 5th Grade Quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

6th – 12th Grade Quote from Martin Luther King, Jr.: 

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope”

Contest Rules

  • Entries are required to address the theme and grade quote. Creative limit for poems is 30 lines max and for essays 500 words max.
  • Entries have to relate to the student's own personal ideas or experiences to the topic and not be biographical of Dr. King.
  • Entries are judged on how ideas are creatively expressed, with an emphasis on clarity, creativity, and originality. Correct usage of basic grammar, structure, and writing skills are also considered.
  • Finalists are selected from each grade category and invited to present their pieces at the MLK Author Evening on Friday, January 16, 2026; 6:30 PM. 

In the final judging, participant's overall expression, understanding, and delivery of their contest entry will also be considered. 

Submissions

All entries must be submitted electronically via email to Lisa Raschke by January 9, 2026. Please use "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Contest Entry" in the subject of the email.

Winners and Awards

Six finalists and their families will be invited to attend the awards ceremony held at the Apex Senior Center on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 6:30 PM. Prizes for contest winners include:

  • Beats Solo 4 Bluetooth Wireless On-Ear Headphones
  • Fujifilm Instax Mini SE Instant Camera with Bonus 10 pack Mini Film
  • The Dream Journal: Guided by the Words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Giftcards from various organizations

Check out the full Martin Luther King Jr Commemorative Weekend event schedule!