By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
County's youth celebrate Martin Luther King's legacy
singing 1

As part of Effingham County's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. observance, children and adults participated in the annual youth program Monday at the recreation department gym in Springfield.

 

The winners of the MLK poster, essay and theme contests were recognized. High school essay winner Chanses Bowers and middle school winner Landri Morgan each read their essays to the crowd.

 

Also, Emanuel Pinkney performed a praise dance, a combined choir from local churches sang, and Jonas Jones gave an impassioned recital of King’s famous “I have a dream” speech.

 

Theme contest winners

First place – “Confronting the Past, Building and Sustaining the Future as One Nation” by Alexander Williams, 11th grade, Effingham County High

Second place – “Equality: His Dream Marches on Through Principles with Purpose” by Samantha Mattox, eighth grade, South Effingham Middle

Third place – “Passionate in His Beliefs, Persistent in His Actions” by Katie Harley, ninth grade, Effingham County High

Honorable mention – “Passionate for Equal Rights, Equality for All” by Zackary Bentley, ninth grade, Effingham County High

 

Grades 1-2 poster winners

First place – Z'Niyah Baker, first grade, South Effingham Elementary

Second place – Krista McAlister, first grade, South Effingham Elementary

Third place – Allison McMillen, second grade, South Effingham Elementary

Honorable mention – Marissa Bonorato, first grade, South Effingham Elementary

Honorable mention – Sebastian Perez, first grade, South Effingham Elementary

 

Grades 3-5 poster winners

First place – Shamon Orr, fourth grade, South Effingham Elementary

Second place – Owen Mattox, fourth grade, South Effingham Elementary

Third place – Jacobi Griffin, fifth grade, Guyton Elementary

Honorable mention – Zoe Long, fourth grade, South Effingham Elementary

Honorable mention – Javonni Utrera, fourth grade, South Effingham Elementary

 

Middle school essay winners 

First place – Landri Morgan, seventh grade, Ebenezer Middle

Second place – Cameron Long, seventh grade, Ebenezer Middle

Third place – Anna Freeman, seventh grade, Ebenezer Middle

Honorable mention – Amanda Zoll, seventh grade, Ebenezer Middle

 

High school essay winners

First place – Chanses Bowers, ninth grade, ECHS

Second place – Sarah Harden, ninth grade, ECHS

Third place – Kaitlyn Arnsdorff, ninth grade, ECHS

Honorable mention – Kiarra Williams, 11th grade, ECHS

 

For more photos from Effingham County’s MLK youth program, click on the Community section of www.effinghamherald.net.

 

To watch video of Bowers and Morgan reading their winning essays, visit the Featured Video section of www.effinghamherald.net.