An eighth grade student at Burlington Christian Academy has been named the winner of Elon University’s 2008 Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Essay Contest.
Elon University’s Multicultural Center sponsored the annual essay contest, which began in 2001 and is open to middle school students in Alamance County. The contest asks students to write a 250-500 word essay describing their personal efforts to keep King’s dream alive. It was created to promote awareness of King’s vision for a more human nation.
“Veronica’s essay was selected for its content and relevance to the topic, and her ability to give good examples of the meaningful volunteer work she’s doing in her school and church to help build community and aid those less fortunate,” said L’Tanya Richmond, director of the Multicultural Center. “Her essay exuded enthusiasm and knowledge of Dr. King’s legacy, and a passion for improving her community.”
A Burlington Christian Academy student also won the competition in 2006.
The winning essay is as follows:
“Many of us have heard about the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech and are familiar with its author, but what are we doing to keep Dr. King’s dream alive? It was people like Dr. King who shaped and formed America into the great country it is today. Dr. King’s bravery and determination is admired and the impact he has had on my life is enormous. Dr. King had a dream that some day all people would be treated equally. Even though things have improved, they could still be better. So what are you doing to keep Dr. King’s dream alive?
“Dr. King’s earthly days are over, but his legacy lives on. Dr. King worked for the civil rights movement and has created this legacy. Though I am only a school student, through my life I can hopefully leave a small mark on society. Dr. King lived during a time of segregation and suffered the consequences. I can only imagine what that was like. Dr. King said, ‘Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.’ While I agree with his peaceful approach, there are also times when one must defend oneself. You cannot stand there and take punishment that you do not deserve. Of course, this may be the reason he took such a stand, so are we really different at all? I know I would take a stand if I had been in his position.
“’I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.’ This was in Dr. King’s famous speech, and I agree with him. Though we are different, we are alike in many ways. For instance, we both want a nation where people are judged by their character and personality and not their skin tone. Dr. King and I are both very determined people, and we want all people to be treated equally. Most importantly, we are both Christians. Many of us have only heard the famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, but Dr. King was a Baptist minister. Without his firm faith in God, he might not have persevered through all the pain and trouble he went through. We may be different on the outside, but your outward appearance does not define your inner being.
“Dr. King has enriched my life in so many ways. He proved to me that a firm faith in God could pull you through some of the toughest times in your life. The Tree of Life Ministry at my church accepts donations such as old home appliances, clothes, or unwanted toys. In other words you may donate anything that you do not use anymore. At certain social events, people in need can come and take whatever they need or want, as well as get free food and do fun, creative activities. By donating or helping load and unload items in this ministry, I am helping our church reach people of all races and all walks of life and sending them the love of God. The recipients are grateful and are pleased to know that there are people willing to help them. I challenge you to go out in your town or community and do something creative that will honor God and help keep Dr. King’s dream alive.”
-Veronica Dodson
November 24, 2007