It was a joy to visit the winners of my Martin Luther King Essay Competition at Caldwell Math & Science Academy, Schmid Elementary School and Rickover Junior High School. The essays were profound statements of what these young people feel about the world around them and would have made Dr. King and should make each of us proud.

I am so proud of each of the students who participated. Their essays were thoughtful, well-written and laid out a call to action for all of us. It was clear the students put a great deal of thought into what Dr. King would want for America today.

First place winners received a laptop computer and plaque acknowledging their achievement. Second place winners took home a tablet and medal acknowledging their achievement. Third place and honorable mention recipients each received a medal. All participants were given certificates and book bags filled with school supplies.