The Ames/Story County MLK Celebration Committee invites all Story County high school students to enter an essay contest celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Contest Topic:
How has Dr. King Jr.'s advocacy impacted your life, which helps motivate and inspire you to continue his legacy?
Contest Requirements Eligibility
- The contest is open to high school students in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) attending public high schools or home schools in Story County, Iowa.
- Only one essay can be submitted per student.
- Past winners are not eligible to participate.
Essay Requirements
- 700 to 1,000 words.
- The essay will need to be a Word document uploaded to the essay application.
- The organizer will disqualify the candidates if the document contains any plagiarism..
- Write your paper in English only.
- The first place winning student may either pre-record themselves reading their essay or attend the MLK Event on Monday, January 18, 2027 at 6:30 p.m., at Ames City Hall Auditorium, at 520 6th Street, Ames.
Deadline
Applications with Essay(s) must be submitted to 2027 MLK Essay Application, Essay & Release Form by 11:59 p.m., on Sunday, December 6, 2026.
Winners will be announced by Monday, January 11, 2027.
Selection Criteria
The panel of judges will select the candidates on the following basis:
- Presentation (100%)
- Quality of writing (e.g., style, clarity, flow, and vocabulary)
- Organization (structure including introduction and conclusion)
- Grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Recognition Awards for both Essay Contest Options:
The top three (3) essays will be published on the Ames/Story County MLK website and social media outlets. The winner will be invited to read their essay at the MLK Celebration on January 18 at the Ames City Hall Auditorium. Second and third place winners will be invited and recognized at the January 18 Celebration.
Please note that all winners under 18 will be required to have their parent/guardian complete a promotion release form.
- First place prize: $500
- Second place prize: $300
- Third place prize: $200
For more information about the January 18, 2027 Celebration, please visit www.cityofames.org/MLKday