Ohio University Eastern honors Dr. King’s legacy through student voices

Ohio University Eastern celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during its annual MLK Writing Contest Celebration on Jan. 29.

This inspiring event, held on campus, honored the winners of the 2025 contest and provided an opportunity for the community to come together to reflect on Dr. King’s teachings of equality, justice and nonviolence.

The contest, which is open to students in grades 6 through 12 from schools across OHIO Eastern’s service region—including Belmont, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Guernsey, Monroe, and Noble counties in Ohio, as well as Brooke, Marshall, and Ohio counties in West Virginia—encourages young people to think critically about how Dr. King’s vision can be applied in today’s world. This year’s contest drew nearly 50 entries, showcasing the passion and creativity of students in the region.

“This contest provides a meaningful opportunity for students to reflect on Dr. King’s enduring legacy while sharing their own unique perspectives. It’s a chance for OHIO Eastern to connect with young people in our region and foster a deeper understanding of the values Dr. King represented,” said Jennifer Kellner-Muscar, OHIO Eastern director of student services.

The 2025 Winners

Middle School Winners

• 1st Place: Skye Bondy, Buckeye Trail Middle School
• 2nd Place: Gracie Wagstaff, Buckeye Trail Middle School
• 3rd Place: Amelia Wheeler, Buckeye Trail Middle School

High School Winners

• 1st Place: Amelia Copney, Wheeling Central Catholic High School
• 2nd Place: Kara Desjarlais, Shenandoah High School
• 3rd Place: Lylah Fogle, Buckeye Trail High School

Local students share excerpts from their inspiring essays

During the celebration, several winners stepped up to the podium to read excerpts from their essays, bringing Dr. King’s message to life through their powerful words. Skye Bondy, 1st place winner in the middle school category, was recognized for her insightful essay, which was read on her behalf. Her words resonated deeply with the audience:

“There are countless barriers—like race, sexual orientation, religion, and income discrimination—that separate our society. Unfortunately, treating people unfairly and discriminating has become deeply ingrained in our day-to-day life. Martin Luther King worked endlessly to change this. He used his voice to advocate for a world where people could live freely in peace and use their morals and beliefs to help conquer barriers,” Bondy wrote.

Several other winners read their essays from the podium, including high school 1st place winner Amelia Copney, who reflected on Dr. King’s famous quote, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” She urged the audience to consider the power of choosing love in moments of conflict:

“A little bit of love can go a long way. And the next time someone is rude or disrespectful to you, take a minute and choose love before responding with hate. Just remember, you can never change someone else’s hate to love with your own hate, but you can always encourage someone to change their hate to love by showing and giving them your love,” said Copney. 

The event also featured a keynote address from Jerry Moore II, president of the Belmont County NAACP, who emphasized the lasting impact of Dr. King’s message, and the role young people play in shaping a just future:

"Dr. King’s speech, 'What’s Your Life’s Blueprint,' from October 26, 1967, still holds invaluable lessons for today’s youth. He outlined three major pillars for success: having a deep belief in your own self-worth and dignity, striving for excellence, and creating a solid life plan while remaining flexible in the face of challenges. These principles are universal—regardless of background, everyone can use a blueprint for success," Moore said.

"It’s important for young people to understand that their first draft of a life plan may evolve over time, but the foundation of self-belief, moral strength, and commitment to justice should always remain. If we have love for one another as human beings, we will speak up against injustice and work toward a better future. I hope the students here tonight take these lessons to heart as they shape their own paths forward," Moore said.

The evening was a testament to the campus’s dedication to fostering community and dialogue. David Rohall, OHIO Eastern dean of campus and community relations, highlighted the celebration’s significance.

“This event not only honors Dr. King’s legacy but also gives local youth a platform to share their voices and perspectives. It strengthens the bonds within our campus and the larger community while reminding us all of the ongoing importance of Dr. King’s work,” Rohall said.

As the celebration concluded, attendees left inspired by the thoughtful reflections of the winners and the impact of Dr. King’s message. Congratulations to this year’s winners and a heartfelt thank you to all participants, educators, and organizers who made the contest and celebration possible.

For more information about the contest, visit ohio.edu/eastern/mlk/writing-contest.