Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission Celebration & Days of Service and Contests
2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission Celebration & Days of Service
“Today, our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change."
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
Save the Dates for the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration and Days of Service!
The Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, together with the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity, County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, and various community partners, invites you to commemorate the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The main celebration will be held on January 11th at 6:00 PM at the Horowitz Center Smith Theatre, located at Howard Community College. This family-friendly, multicultural event will feature musical performances, dramatic presentations, a keynote address, and the recognition of the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Living the Dream” Award recipients, as well as winners of the student oratory, essay, and poster contests.
The following day, Sunday, January 12, at 12:00 PM,. join us at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center for a interactive Day of Service that includes an MLK tribute room, a Read-In with community members reading books about Dr. King and service activities for all ages!
2025 MLK Holiday Commission Contests
Announcing the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission Student Contests: Honor Dr. King's Legacy & Win Cash Prizes!
Elementary, Middle & High School Poster Contest: “Create a piece of artwork that illustrates how we can make positive changes in ourselves, schools, and communities.”
High School & Middle School Essay Contest: Write an essay about a time that you created positive change in yourself, school, or community. Discuss challenges, outcomes, and personal growth.
High School & Middle School Oratory Contest: Create a 5–7-minute speech that illustrates how you created positive change in yourself, school, or community. Discuss challenges, outcomes, and personal growth.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
Entries must be received by November 15th, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST
Via Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov
Via Mail: Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity
9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 237 Columbia, MD 21046
Click Here to Download a Fillable PDF Application
For More Information: Call (410) 313-6430 Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov
The Commission seeks nominations for its annual Living the Dream Award. This award recognizes individuals, students, and organizations that promote the teachings and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through community involvement and service. You may self nominate or nominate an individual, student or organization.
CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT APPLICATION:
SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
Entries must be received by November 15, 2024 at 5:00 PM EST
Request an Application Via Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov
For More Information: Call (410) 313-6430
Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov
2024 Contest Winners
Elementary School & High School Poster Contest
Elementary School Poster Contest
- 1st Place: Avery Richardson
- 2nd Place: Jordan Knight
- 3rd Place: Monreaux West
Middle School Poster Contest
- 1st Place: Crystal McGeehan
- 2nd Place: Neema Jones
- 3rd Place: Liv Kaur
Middle School & High School Essay Awards
Middle School Essay Contest
- 1st Place: Jocara Knight, Jr.
- 2nd Place: Olanna Ezeji
- 3rd Place: Lena Porter
High School Essay Contest
- 1st Place: Sid Bajaj
- 2nd Place: Danielle Fonmedig
- 3rd Place: Kallie Payne
Middle School & High School Oratory Contests
Middle School Oratory Contest
- 1st Place: Alani Jordan
High School Oratory Contest
- 1st Place: James Obasiolu
Annual Living the Dream Award
The Commission also sought nominations for its annual Living the Dream Award. This award recognizes individuals and organizations that promote the teachings and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through community involvement.
- Living the Dream Award- Individual Bruce Leuthold
- Living the Dream Award - Organization Luminus Network For New Americans
2024 Annual High School Food Drive Competition Results
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission began its High School Food Drive Competition over three years ago with the objective of collecting non-perishable food and personal items (diapers, wipes, etc.) for the Howard County Food Bank. The annual Food Drive Competition values give young people the opportunity to honor King’s legacy through community service. Since 2019, most of Howard County’s high schools have participated.
The following High Schools participated in the annual MLK High School Food Drive Competition and together, raised 2128 pounds of food, which was donated to the Howard County Food Bank: Atholton High School, Centennial High School, Glenelg High School, Long Reach High School, Reservoir High School, River Hill High and School Wilde Lake High School.
The winner of this year’s high school food drive competition is Reservoir High School! They are our first repeat winners raising a total of 1,023 pounds of food and baby supplies.