Press Releases

OKLAHOMA CITY NATIONAL MEMORIAL ESSAY CONTEST INSPIRES STUDENTS WITH WORDS ON CHARACTER FROM DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 19, 2007

Contact: Nancy Coggins, APR
405.235.3313 or 405.760.9053
nc@oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org

OKLAHOMA CITY NATIONAL MEMORIAL ESSAY CONTEST INSPIRES STUDENTS WITH WORDS ON CHARACTER FROM DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR

OKLAHOMA CITY — “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words in Strength to Love, a collection of sermons, focus on the character of mankind. The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum will use King’s inspirational words in its annual National Essay Contest.

In 1963, King talked about his dream of a world where people are judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. His belief in the importance of non-violent conflict resolution resonates with the Memorial’s efforts to educate students about the impact of violence, the senselessness of using violence as a means to effect change and the importance of personal responsibility. The 2008 essay contest will highlight King’s words on character and the qualities that define the content of our character.

“Dr. King was one of the greatest leaders of non-violent resolution this nation has ever had. In a time where equality was not equal, King’s messages of changing attitudes through non-violent means truly changed a nation,” said Lynne Roller, Oklahoma City National Memorial Deputy Director. “This contest shows on an annual basis that students do understand the inspiration in quotes from great leaders, and that they relate those words to situations in their own lives in a way that inspires us all.”

Initiated in 2002, the Essay Contest has become a cornerstone of the Memorial’s educational programs. In 2005, the Essay Contest expanded from a state contest to a national one, allowing more students to use this contest as a vehicle for sharing their rich perspective and engaging in the lessons of the Memorial. This program is made possible through the generous support of Allegiance Credit Union.

The contest is open to students in grades 5-12. More than 300 essays were submitted in 2007, with winning essays coming from students in New Jersey, North Carolina and Oklahoma. The contest meets several State of Oklahoma and national standards for Language Arts.

Essays are judged on originality, adherence to topic and proper grammar, spelling and punctuation by educators and community leaders from across the region. Students are given a quote and accompanying topic on which to write, developed by the Memorial’s Education and Outreach Committee. Each topic is designed to challenge students to reflect on their personal experiences and look to the future for ways they can make an impact on the world around them.

2008 Topics:
Fifth and Sixth Grades (350 words): “Faith is taking the first step, even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Seventh and Eighth Grades (350 words): “Let no man pull you low enough to hate him.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ninth and Tenth Grades (500 words): “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Eleventh and Twelfth Grades (500 words): “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

All winners will be recognized at the Oklahoma House of Representatives in February. Winning essays will be included in the Virtual Archives at the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum for one year. Cash prizes are also awarded for first, second and third place in each of the four grade categories.

Entries must be typed or word – processed, double-spaced. Teachers may submit up to five entries per grade per school. Entries may be submitted by mail, email or hand delivered to the Memorial. Information on submission of entries, as well as a release form that must accompany each entry, is available on the Memorial’s web site at www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org. All entries must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 18, 2008. For more information on the Essay Contest or other educational offerings of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, please contact Lynne Roller, Deputy Director, at 405.235.3313 or lr@oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org.

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was created to honor “those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever” by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. The Memorial and Museum are dedicated to educating visitors about the impact of violence, informing about events surrounding the bombing, and inspiring hope and healing through lessons learned by those affected.

For more information on the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, call (888) 542-HOPE or visit www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org.

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