PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University or University of Idaho students can win cash prizes of up to $200 with their entry in the Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest.
The aim of student entries is to best illustrate how they could apply or enact King’s vision in today’s society and culture using the idea in King’s quote “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Ideas should be based on the theme “building true community.”
The idea for the essay contest was conceptualized by committee member Timothy Hogg, who believes there needs to be more literary events offered on campus.
“There’s not enough writing going on,” Hogg said. “The essay contest gives students something to write about and brings in the writing aspect.”
Herb Delaney, chair for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration, agreed.
“The essay creates a direct and much desired academic component. By entering the contest, students can begin to utilize their skills by creating something they could potentially submit for their writing portfolio,” Delaney said.
Cash prizes will be awarded for the top-three winners from both campuses, with $200 for first place, $100 for second and $50 for third. Entries can be submitted online at (www.wsu.edu/MLK/essay.html) or by mailing to the MLK Essay Contest, c/o 122 French Administration Building, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-1009. Entries must be postmarked or received by Dec. 19.
For more information on the contest, call Becky Phillips at (509) 335-7449 or (509) 335-7433.
