Ohio University Southern invites students in grades 6–12 to participate in the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Writing Contest. Due to recent technical issues with the online submission link, we are extending the deadline for entries to December 19, 2026, at 5 p.m. If your students have already submitted their entries, thank you—we truly appreciate your support.

Students may submit their entries online at:
https://www.ohio.edu/southern/about/student-community-engagement/mlk-celebration/writing-contest

If they continue to have issues, entries may be emailed directly to: mlkessaycontest@ohio.edu

This year’s theme, “Inspired by His Words,” continues the prompt introduced in 2023. Students are encouraged to read selected quotations engraved on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. For the 2026 contest, open to all Tri-State students in grades 6–12, participants should choose a quote that inspires them and write either a poem or a short essay responding to it. Students are encouraged to reflect on how the quote relates to their own experiences or their community today.

The contest is open to students living in the service areas of:

• Ohio: Lawrence, Scioto, and Gallia Counties

• West Virginia: Cabell County

• Kentucky: Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Lawrence, Lewis, Mason, and Rowan Counties

Prizes will be awarded in two grade categories: 6–8 and 9–12.

• 1st Place: $100

• 2nd Place: $50

• 3rd Place: $25

Each selected recipient will receive a certificate of achievement, have their work published on the OHIO Southern website, and be invited to attend the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration Legacy Awards Reception on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 5pm, where they will be recognized for their accomplishments.

Full contest guidelines and entry details can be found at:
https://www.ohio.edu/southern/about/student-community-engagement/mlk-celebration/writing-contest

**ACT Waivers available** See Ms. Rucker or Mrs. Ellingsworth for more information.