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 MLK Holiday Commission, the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity, County Executive, Dr. Calvin Ball and community partners invite you to join us celebrating and honoring the life of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Sunday, January 19, 2025 we're hosting a family-friendly, multi-cultural event that includes musical performances, dramatic presentations, a keynote address and recognition of the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Living the Dream” Award recipients and student oratory, essay and poster contest winners.
Monday, January 20, 2025, 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 October 25th, 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 October 25th, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST
Request an Application Via Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov
For More Information: Call (410) 313-6430
Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov
2023 Contest Winners
Elementary and Middle School Poster Contest
- 1st Place: Safa Ikram - Saint John's Lane Elementary
2nd Place: Tea Lucic - Guilford Elementary
3rd Place: Brooklyn Byrd - Guilford Elementary
Middle School Essay Awards
- 1st Place: Raima Shah - Elkridge Landing Middle School
2nd Place: Jocara Knight, Jr. - Oakland Mills Middle School
3rd Place: Kristen Arthungal - Harper's Choice Middle School
Middle School & High School Oratory Contests
Middle School Oratory Contest
1st Place: Khadijah Adebenro - Clarksville Middle School
High School Oratory Contest
1st Place: James Obasiolu - Atholton High School
2nd Place: Antonio Clay-Hardy - Wilde Lake High School
High School Essay Awards
- 1st Place: Victoria Richardson - Glenelg Country School
2nd Place: Nicole Adesioye - Glenelg Country School
3rd Place: Osiris Griffin - River Hill High School
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.
- Organizational Award - Success in Style
- Individual Award - Mae A. Beale
2023 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.
This year’s food drive competition began on December 6th and concluded on January 10th with Reservoir, Wilde Lake, River Hill, Glenelg, Howard, Centennial, and Atholton high schools participating. Together, the seven schools raised over 2,700 pounds of food for the local food bank.
This year’s winner, Atholton High School, raised 1,049 pounds of food.