November 7, 2017

To: All Schools

From: MLK Coalition & KZWA-Vibe 105 Foundation

Subject:34th MLK Memorial Essay Contest

Every year the MLK Coalition honors the legacy of the great Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with A Memorial Breakfast and Family Day as well as other family oriented activities. It is our desire that Dr. King’s dream be realized for all in our society. We also realize we cannot accomplish this incredible feat alone. We need the educators in our community. We need you to distribute Essay Rules to the Principals who will in turn give to the English teachers. We are also seeking your permission to allow us to make VIP preparations at the MLK Breakfast for the winning principals and teachers.

Please help us by encouraging your students to enter the 34thAnnual MLK Essay Contest. Encourage your Elementary, Middle, and High School students to write and submit a 300-word essay on the following theme chosen by the MLK Coalition:

The Theme is: “The Ultimate Measure Of A Man Is Not Where He Stands InMoments Of Comfort And Convenience, But Where He Stands At Times Of Challenge And Controversy.”

Winners in each of the three divisions (High School, Middle School, and Elementary School divisions) will be awarded $250 for 1stplace; $125 for Second place; and $75 for a 3rd place prize. Each winner will read their winning essays during the televised broadcast January 12, 2018 at the Annual Memorial Breakfast at the Glad Tidings Church 3400 Texas Street in Lake Charles. Students will receive awards during the televised broadcast of the 34thAnnual MLK Memorial Breakfast and Awards Program. Students will also represent his/her respective school in the 2018 MLK Parade, Monday January 15, 2018. All MLK Essay entries must be received no later than January 5, 2018to be considered. Contest rules and entry forms are enclosed.

Sincerely,

Roxie Smith

MLK Events Coordinator

MLK Essay Contest Rules

The Theme Is: “The Ultimate Measure Of A Man Is Not Where He Stands In Moments Of Comfort And Convenience But Where He Stands At Times Of Challenge And Controversy”

Read all instructions before submitting your essay.

1. Not following instructions can result in disqualification.

2.Do not put your name on the Essay, only on the entry form

3. Contestant must be a student in good standing, in grade K-12,

And attend an Elementary, Middle, or High School in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, or Jefferson Davis Parish.

4. The essay must be the student’s original work (not previously published) in three-hundred (300) words or less and neatly typed. Please write the following at the top right hand

Corner of the essay: 2018 MLK Essay Contest.

5. Home Room teachers, English teachers and students attach your essay to the entry form, and sign the consent

where noted on the form.

6. The 1st place winning essays in each division will be presented live on KPLC TV January 12, 2018 at 9am

Mail the essay with entry form to the following:

MLK 2018 Essay Contest

305 Enterprise Blvd.

Lake Charles, LA 70601.

Telephone:337-491-9955

7. All Essay entries will only be accepted by mail and must be postmarked by January 5, 2018to be considered.

2018 MLK Essay Contest Entry Form

The Theme Is: "The Ultimate Measure Of A Man Is Not Where He Stands In Moments Of Comfort And Convenience, But Where He Stands At Times Of Challenge And Controversy.”

Please fill in all spaces.

School: ______Grade: ______

English Teacher: ______

Home Room Teacher: ______

Name: ______Age: ______

Address: ______

Hm Ph: ______Cell Ph: ______

Statement of Consent: If I am a winner I will prepare myself for the televised essay presentation atGlad Tidings Church 3400 Texas Street Friday, January 12, 2018

Name ______Date______