Scholar Wins Student Essay Contest at MLK Celebration

Elijah Ready, a 7^th grader at Anthem Preparatory Academy, was recognized by the Anthem Community Council as the first-place winner of the K-8 Student MLK Essay Contest for “exceptional writing and understanding of Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream” during the 2nd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.

The public was invited to the event at the Anthem Community Park Amphitheater to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. During the celebration, Elijah was presented with his certificate and addressed the audience with an acceptance speech. “MLK Day is a reminder to me of how hard my ancestors have fought and how we must continue to fight for a better world,” said Ready. “It is good to take a minute to remember those who came before us.”

The presentations were followed by a unity walk – “a symbol of his inspiration that we carry now and into the future.” The rainy day didn’t deter participants from demonstrating the power of individuals and the community to make positive differences, a foundational message that was present throughout Dr. King’s life.

Read the award-winning essay by Elijah Ready:

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had many dreams. Some of these dreams included holding this country accountable to its own founding promises of freedom, justice, and equality.

One of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dreams was to see the promise of freedom manifest for all people. One way Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did this was through the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Another way Dr. King Jr. did this was by organizing the 1963 March on Washington. By doing this, he helped establish a sense of unity and freedom in the United States.

There are also many ways Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped move the cause of justice forward. One way was by speaking to the nation about social and economic injustices and civil rights at the Lincoln Memorial. What he did there inspired people to act and advocate for racial justice.

Lastly, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did many things to fight for equality among peoples.

One way Dr. King did this was by marching for Blacks’ rights to vote in elections. Other marches he organized supported desegregation, labor rights, and other basic civil rights.

In conclusion, to me Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream has come to pass because I don’t really care what my skin color is. This is because I don’t feel like I am treated differently than everyone else. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. played an incredible role in helping establish the promises of peace, justice, and equality in this country and we are able to enjoy these today.

Do you have a story or know of a story that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts?  Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.