Courtright Memorial Library

138 W. Main Street

Westerville, OH 43081

December 5, 2016

Dear Educators,

The Otterbein University Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation Committee is pleased to welcome

and honor the talents of Central Ohio high school students with the annual MLK Essay, Art &

Poetry Contest. The contest will be held in conjunction with Otterbein’s annual Martin Luther

King, Jr. Convocation in which Otterbein University celebrates the ideas, mission, and values of

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The MLK Essay, Art & Poetry Contest is a wonderful opportunity for Central Ohio high school

students (grades 9-12) to join our celebration. Students are invited to express their viewpoints by

reflecting on the legacy and impact of Dr. King as they showcase their artistic abilities and

talents.

Entry forms with detailed information about the contest are enclosed. Please feel free to share

this information with staff and students. All entries must be submitted to my attention at the

above address by Thursday, January 12, 2017. While the convocation is open to everyone, the

top three entries (one from each category) will receive a special invitation to join the Otterbein

Community at the 2017 MLK Convocation on Wednesday, January 18th in Cowan Hall at

3:30 PM. Immediately following the convocation the winners will be announced at a reception

in the Roush Hall Fisher Gallery.

Feel free to contact me via email or phone with any questions at sladson@otterbein.edu or (614)

823-1143.

I look forward to hearing from and working with your students!

Best regards,

Stacie Walker-Ladson

Chairperson, MLK Essay, Art & Poetry Contest

Otterbein University’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation Committee is pleased to announce the 7th annual MLK Essay, Art & Poetry Contest. The contest allows Central Ohio high school students (grades 9-12) to showcase their talents through art (drawing, photography, sculpture, etc.), essay, or poetry.

Contest Theme: Words are powerful and have a significant impact on our lives. Today, many of Dr. King’s speeches, from the famous “I Have A Dream” speech to his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” and the “Loving Your Enemies” speeches are highly used and often quoted. Just as Dr. King made a difference with his words, we all have the power to make an impact with “words.” Students are being asked to consider what is the “impact of the words in messages sent and received” via social media, television, spoken face to face, and on phones. Please consider one of the two options below: 1. Can you think of a time when you heard, saw, or spoke words as mentioned above and the

impact they had on you and/or others? OR 2. Create a “six word memoir” and illustrate how your memoir is impactful and/or

powerful. Students must submit an essay, poem, or work of art that answers either question above. Prizes will be awarded to the top entry per category or the top three entries if all categories are not represented. See guidelines for rules and regulations.

SUBMISSION & DEADLINE

All projects must be submitted to:

Otterbein University

Courtright Memorial Library

ATTN: Stacie Walker-Ladson

138 W. Main Street

Westerville, OH 43081

.

Questions? Call or email Stacie at

823-1143 or sladson@otterbein.edu

The deadline for submission is

Thursday, January 12, 2017.

2017 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay, Art & Poetry Contest

2017 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Essay, Art & Poetry Contest

GUIDELINES

Students may enter up to three entries in one or various categories and each entry must be accompanied by an official entry form. Each entry should include the following component: 1. Illustrate or express the student’s interpretation of the contest theme, or 2. Illustrate or express how Dr. King’s words have impacted or empowered you.

Rule for submitted ARTWORK

1. In addition to a drawing or sculpture to illustrate their idea, students must write a brief paragraph (on a separate piece of paper attached or affixed to the artwork) explaining their illustration.

Rules for submitted ESSAYS and POETRY

1. Essays, poetry, and short stories must be typed and no more than four pages. 2. Pages must be double spaced and numbered with the student’s name appearing on the top

left hand corner of each page. 3. Written works may NOT include photographs, images, illustrations, etc.

Winners will be selected according to the following criteria:

Content 20% Relevancy to theme 30% Grammar 30% Guidelines 20%

Deadline for submissions is THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 2017

2017 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay, Art & Poetry Contest

ENTRY FORM (please print legibly)

I am entering (check one box for the following three choices): __ Essay __ Poetry

__ Art/Photography TITLE OF SUBMISSION ______________________________________________________ STUDENT INFORMATION GRADE LEVEL: __9 __10 __11 __12 STUDENT NAME _______________________________________________________________________ HOME ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________________ CITY/ZIP _____________________________________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBER (_______) ___________________________________________

SCHOOL INFORMATION SCHOOL NAME ________________________________________________________________________ PHONE NUMBER _______________________________________________________________________ TEACHER’S NAME/CLASS_________________________________________________________________ GUIDANCE COUNSELOR’S NAME _______________________________________________________________ GUIDANCE COUNSELOR EMAIL ADDRESS_________________________________________________________

FORWARD ALL ENTRIES TO: Otterbein University Courtright Memorial Library ATTN: Stacie Walker-Ladson 138 W. Main Street