2024 MLK Student Contest Winners Announced

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Society is pleased to announce the Tulsa-area students who won art, essay and oratorical contests in conjunction with the Tulsa MLK Parade that will take place on Monday, January 20, 2024. This year marks the 45th Anniversary of the parade, with the theme “Dr. King’s Dream: A Vision for the Future.”

Student contest winners are as follows: 

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Youth Art Contest (Grades K-6)

Youth Art Contest: Students in grades K-6 were asked to create an illustration based on one of three themes that characterize Dr. King’s life and work – Love, Peace or Unity – and what the theme means to them. All three winning drawings are showcased in the 2024 MLK Souvenir Book. (See their winning art below). 

• 1st Place ($175): Ava Walters, 5th Grade, Augustine Christian Academy;

• 2nd Place ($125): Ananya Duggirala, 3rd Grade, Moore Elementary, Union Public Schools; and

• 3rd Place ($75): Khloe Bowman, 6th Grade, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow Public Schools.  

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Essay Contest (Grades 6-8)

Essay Contest:  Middle school students (grades 6-8) were asked to write a 350-500 word essay on the topic, “I live my life as a reflection of Dr. King’s dream by . . .”  Essays were judged based on originality/creativity, clarity, use of facts or specific examples and other criteria. Their essays are published in the 2024 MLK Souvenir Book.  Read the 1st Place Winner. Prizes were awarded as follows: 

• 1st Place ($250): Brin Bradford, 7th grade, Carver Middle School, Tulsa Public Schools;  

• 2nd Place ($225): Khloe Bowman, 6th grade, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow Public Schools; and

• 3rd Place ($200): Nathaniel Mseti, 6th grade, Union 6th/7th Grade Center, Union Public Schools.    

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Oratorical Contest (Grades 9-12)

Oratorical Contest:  High school students (grades 9-12) were asked to memorize Dr. King’s iconic “I have a dream” speech for a chance to showcase their oratorical skills. Contestants were judged on clarity, quality, delivery, stage presence and memorization skills. Prizes were awarded to the following:

• 1st Place ($1,000): Chiedza Mahuni, 11th grade, Union High School; and

• 2nd Place ($500): Collin Walters, 10th grade, Vanguard Academy of Broken Arrow Public Schools.

Chiedza Mahuni, the 1st Place winner, performed Dr. King’s speech for ONE Gas employees at a special Martin Luther King, Jr. event on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024. ONE Gas is the official sponsor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical Contest. She will also present the speech at the Sunday Commemorative Service on Sunday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church, 1301 S. Boston Ave., in Tulsa.​​​​​

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2024 'Dream Out Loud' Student Award & Scholarship

This award is presented to a high school student who has demonstrated leadership, academic excellence and a commitment to the message and values of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Arihana Sanders, a senior at Broken Arrow High School, is the winner of this $500 scholarship. She is currently enrolled in the criminal justice program at Tulsa Tech’s Peoria Campus. Upon graduation, Arihana plans to join the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office as a detention officer in hopes of one day becoming a crime scene investigator. She wants to give back to the community by volunteering at local shelters to feed the homeless. Arihana also looks for opportunities to donate much-needed items such as blankets, clothes, shoes and hygiene products for those in need. The “Dream Out Loud” Award is presented annually by the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Society and Tulsa Tech.  

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Sponsors of MLK Student Awards include PepsiCo, ONE Gas and Boston Avenue United Methodist Church.