In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced on Monday the 15 winning essays of his fourth annual ‘Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Essay Challenge.’ This year, Murphy received close to 1,500 entries from elementary, middle, and high school students from across Connecticut reflecting on Dr. King’s dream and their own aspirations.
Among the winners is Ridgefield High School 9th grader Kavya Podila who writes, "In my life, I'm glad I live in a place where diverse races and communities are welcome. However, I recognize that other parts of the country are different... in the 21st century, society still fails to realized that we are all human. So, my aspiration for the nation is acceptance." You can read the complete essay here.
A complete list of winning essays, pictures and videos can be viewed below. Click on each student’s name to download his or her essay. In addition to being available below, the winners are on display in Murphy’s Hartford office.
“Today, we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy and his fight for justice and equality. Although his work is not yet complete, the United States is a better place because of Dr. King. These essays submitted from students across Connecticut sharing their hopes and dreams show that his legacy is still inspiring future generations,” said Murphy. “It’s hard to pick just a few, but I hope everyone takes the time to read these essays by students who remain committed to the ideals that Dr. King preached. I’m confident that if they stay engaged in their communities and continue to fight for what they believe in, we will get closer to fulfilling Dr. King’s dream.”
1st Congressional District Winners:
- Sabrina Lam, Manchester, Manchester High School
- Giavana Hatcher, Bristol, Northeast Middle School
- Hadleigh Zavisza, Windsor, Oliver Ellsworth School
- Lohanny Báez, Norwich, Norwich Free Academy
- Lucy St. Germain, North Grosvenordale, Thompson Middle School
- Maria Bachiochi, Coventry, Coventry Grammar School
3rd Congressional District Winners:
- Daëlle Coriolan, West Haven, West Haven High School
- Nathan Pawlos, Hamden, Westwoods School
- Joelina Vazquez, Middletown, Frederick Bielefield School
4th Congressional District Winners:
- Kavya Podila, Ridgefield, Ridgefield High School
- Jovonn Sokolovic, Bridgeport, Park City Magnet School
- Alyssa Monterio, Norwalk, Wolfpit Elementary School
5th Congressional District Winners:
- Kristen St Louis, Simsbury, Ethel Walker High School
- Kyler Weinberg, Cheshire, Norton School
- Myla LaSalle, Farmington, Noah Wallace School