Ames and Story County high school students are invited to enter the seventh annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest. The contest is open to public school and homeschool students in Ames and Story County.
First place receives $500, second place receives $300, and third place receives $200.
Essays may be submitted online through Sunday, Dec. 6, at 11:59 p.m. on the City of Ames website at www.CityOfAmes.org/MLKDay. This year’s topic is, “How has Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s advocacy impacted my life?” Winners will be announced by Monday, Jan. 11, 2027.
The first-place winner will be invited to read the winning essay at the MLK Celebration on Monday, Jan. 18, 2027, at Ames City Auditorium, 520 Sixth St. The second- and third-place winners will also be invited and recognized at the event.
For more information about the essay contest and MLK Day Celebration, visit www.CityOfAmes.org/MLKDay.