2014 MLK Essay Contest
Rise Above….
An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader
concerns of all humanity.
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King is a time that we stop to reflect on the past and focus on the
future of humanity as a whole. Dr. King’s legacy has taught us to commit ourselves to service by serving
each other and those who are less fortunate in our communities. Dr. King once stated that an individual
has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the
broader concerns of all humanity. Service is a powerful way that we can take action, rise above our own
needs, and focus on the needs of others.
The Martin Luther King Steering Committee, in conjunction with University of South Carolina Aiken
Inclusion Advisory Council (IAC) and Aiken Technical College is inviting Aiken County students to submit an
original written essay that draws on their experience to respond to this question:
-What are some concerns that you think our society is facing? How can we address and resolve some of
these societal concerns?
-How can you take a stand (rise above) to address some of the concerns of humanity?
Successful essays will answer the question, and refer specifically not only to the writer’s personal
experience and observations but also to the original quote by Dr. King’s.
Categories: Elementary (up to 500 words)
Middle School (up to 1,000 words)
High School (up to 1,500 words)
Colleges (video)
Length:
30-120 seconds for video
Eligibility:
Must be an Aiken County student or a student at Aiken Tech or USCA
Prizes:
–VIP Meet and greet with first, second and third place winners from each division only…9
-Special Floor seating for all finalist and their parents/guardian (limit 2)
-Recognize winners at IAC board meeting (3 or 9 winners only)
-Winner sits on dais and gives an excerpt from speech (3 Winners)
-Receive a plaque
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Deadline:
Monday, December 19, 2013
School Winners Announced on Wednesday, January 8th
Submit to:
MLK Essay Contest, Superintendent’s Office, Aiken County Public Schools, 1000 Brookhaven Drive,
Aiken, SC 29803