Heights Students Win Awards In MLK Essay, Art Contest

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — East View United Church of Christ and the City of Cleveland Heights hold an annual Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest. This year, about 30 Cleveland Heights-University Heights school children were awarded top prizes.

The writing prompt this year was topical and sports focused. Students were asked to reflect on what the great Civil Rights leader would have to say about NFL players taking a knee during the National Anthem.

The city's portion of the contest was a bit different. Students were asked to write essays, poetry or create posters on how Dr. King influenced the world. During the city's 20th annual MLK Celebration, students read their work and had their posters displayed.

One student, Heights Middle School's Henry Herschman took second place in the contest and received a $150 reward. Bryce Betts won third and got a $50 award.

Here's a list of all the students that were recognized and in what categories they were recognized:

• Claire Bunce (Roxboro, Grade 5)
• Kiera Cicerchi (Roxboro, Grade 5)
• Taylor R. Davidson (Roxboro, Grade 5)
• Katherine Jaycox (Roxboro, Grade 5)
• Bridget Katholi (Fairfax, Grade 5)
• Andre Moore (Roxboro, Grade 5)
• Jane Mueller (Fairfax, Grade 5)
• Charlotte Nolan (Roxboro, Grade 5)
• Nala Simmons (Boulevard, Grade 4)

Middle School Essays (all from HMS, Grade 8)

• Cassandra Steele
• Marie Cottingham
• Ashley Bandy
• Desire Hayes
• Diamonique Roddy

• Precious Hazzard
• Cassie Sisson
• Synii Smith

Posters

• Lily Durant (Oxford Elementary School, Grade 5)
• Keanu Jackson (Fairfax Elementary School, Grade 5)
• Brookelyn Peacock (Oxford Elementary School, Grade 5)
• Van Terry (Oxford Elementary School, Grade 5)
• Ty’Nesha Stars (Oxford Elementary School, Grade 5)
• McKyla Todd (Oxford Elementary School, Grade 5)
• Jahmir Williams (Oxford Elementary School, Grade 5)

The winning posters will remain on display in City Hall until February.

In this Aug. 28, 1963 file photo, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, addresses marchers during his "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. (AP Photo/File)