Norwalk Hosts 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest

Press release from Norwalk Public Library:

Jan. 7, 2021

Norwalk Public Schools, Norwalk Public Library, and the Norwalk Branch NAACP are teaming up to join Senator Murphy’s 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr essay contest.

Designed to encourage students to honor Dr. King by writing about the pillars of his legacy, this contest is open to all elementary, middle and high school students in Norwalk Public Schools.

“It is critically important that we study and remember history, and honor those who have made an impact on the world. Dr. King’s legacy continues to be felt in Connecticut, the United States, and around the Globe. His fight for equity and vision of a more just society has influenced future generations. I am genuinely grateful to those who continue his work on the ground and in communities across the country. I encourage all Norwalk students to submit an essay, and while there can only be a few winners, I hope all in our community will read their important words. These are our future leaders who will help ensure that one day we will fulfill Dr. King’s vision.”

-Mayor Harry W. Rilling

Essay Contest Rules & Eligibility

1. One essay per student should be submitted to the Norwalk Public Library, sharris@norwalkpl.org, by Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Please note that you will receive a confirmation of receipt of your submission. If no confirmation is received by the day after your submission, please call 203.899.2780 Ext. 15127.

2. Essays should be no more than 500 words for high school students (Grades 9-12); 300 words for middle school students (Grades 6-8); and 100-200 words for elementary school students (Grades K-5). Pictures are optional for elementary school submissions.

3. The cover sheet should contain the student’s name, school, home/cellular phone number, address, and email address (do not include this information in the body of the essay as submissions will be judged anonymously). The Norwalk Public Library supervisors suggested keeping the theme consistent with the equity work upon which Norwalk Public Schools has embarked. The Norwalk judges will look for at least one of three themes about equity.

1. Educational Equity

2. Environmental Equity

3. Racial Justice Equity

Judges
Senator Bob Duff, District 25 Representing Norwalk and Darien
Alex Knopp, Chair, Norwalk Public Library
James Martinez, Director of School Counseling, Norwalk Public Schools
Vicki Oatis, Director of Children’s Services, Norwalk Public Library
Novelette Peterkin, Chief Executive Director, The Carver Foundation of Norwalk, Inc.
NAACP Scholarship Committee: Rosa Murray, Dr. Lynne Moore, and Shirley Mosby

Each category will receive certificates from the Norwalk Public Library, and first, second, and third place prizes complimentary of the Norwalk Branch NAACP.

First $100
Second $50
Third $25

Winners will be announced, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 19, 2021 during a Dr. King celebration program via Zoom.

Register in advance for this program: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlfu-hqzouHNRjfJKd956a_yQE1wlLQq10 .

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

This press release was produced by Norwalk Public Library. The views expressed here are the author's own.