The Ames-Story County MLK Day Celebration Committee is hosting its 6th Annual Essay Writing Contest to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Contest topic: How has Dr. King, Jr.'s advocacy impacted your life, which helps motivate and inspire you to continue his legacy?
2026 MLK Essay Contest winners:
- Ada McKilligan, a freshman at Gilbert High School, received first place and will be awarded $500 for the essay titled "A Generation of Hope.”
- Glory Nlebedim, a junior at Ames High School, received second place and will be awarded $300 for the essay titled, “Keep Moving Forward: Turning Struggle into Purpose."
Martin Luther King Day (MLK) is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and for racial equality in the United States.
2026 Ames/Story County Community Celebration
Monday, January 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Ames City Auditorium, 520 Sixth St. (north side of City Hall)
Birthday cookies will be served in the City Hall Gymnasium at 6 p.m.
The event will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
Essay Contest Now Open!
The Ames-Story County MLK Day Celebration Committee is hosting its 6th Annual Essay Writing Contest to commemorate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All Ames/Story County area high school students (grades 9-12) are invited and encouraged to participate. Deadline is Sunday, December 7, at 11:59 p.m. Information and application can be found on the City's website.
Contest topic: How has Dr. King, Jr.'s advocacy impacted your life, which s motivate and inspire you to continue his legacy?
Winners will be announced on Monday, January 12, 2026. The top three (3) essays will be published on the official MLK website and social media. The winner will be invited to read their essay at the MLK Celebration on January 19. Second and third-place winners will be invited and recognized at the celebration.
1st place prize: $500
2nd place prize:$300
3rd place prize: $200