Fifth-grader MJ Dean was named winner of a county-wide essay contest about the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., sponsored by Atrium Health Floyd.
"In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy of justice and equality, Atrium Health Floyd invited fifth-grade students across Rome and Floyd County to participate in an essay contest reflecting on Dr. King’s impact and message," said Rebekah Kinney, assistant director of Pre-K to 8. "As part of the commemoration, students were asked to write an essay inspired by Dr. King’s powerful words: 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' The contest encouraged students to reflect on the meaning of the quote and its relevance within their own community and lives."
All fifth-grade students from Darlington wrote an essay under the guidance of fifth-grade literacy teachers Laura West and Molly Jordan. They explored Dr. King’s message through thoughtful discussion and writing, culminating in essays that demonstrated both historical understanding and personal reflection. At the school level, Dean earned first place with Jack Stone and Elliott Spears earning second and third, respectively. Dean went on to be selected as the overall winner of the county-wide contest.
"We are proud of our students for their thoughtful engagement with Dr. King’s message and for representing the school with excellence at the county level," said Kinney.
On Feb. 2, President and CEO of Atrium Health Floyd Kurt Stuenkel and other hospital representatives visited Darlington to present certificates and prizes to the student winners. Click here to see photos.
“It has been an honor to watch these students truly take Dr. King’s words to heart," said West. "Their writing reflects a pivotal moment in history that reshaped our nation and shows how Dr. King’s legacy continues to live on through their voices today.”
Read the full text of Dean's winning essay below:
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This famous quote from the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is one that is still true today. When we allow injustice to take place, it affects many. Fairness is something that we should protect together. Injustice affects our personal lives, our communities, and our nation.
Injustice affects our personal lives. When someone is treated unfairly, it can spread to others individually. I have my own personal example of this. As a basketball player, when someone on my team does something wrong, the whole team has to accept the consequences. I see injustices in my life all the time, but I know that we can make the world better.
Injustice affects our communities. Many years ago, it was illegal for African-Americans to learn to read and write. That one injustice still affects our communities today because after slavery ended, schools and neighborhoods were segregated. I am grateful to go to a school where students and teachers from all over are able to learn together.
Injustice affects our nation. When people experience or see injustice, they can get angry and sad. When adults treat others unfairly, children are watching. This behavior is being passed on from generation to generation. Our nation has seen so many bad things. We should change that.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. went to jail 32 times for standing up for Civil Rights. Because he stood up against injustice, people started to listen. We can spread kindness instead. I choose to be a good person. Just like Dr. Martin Luther King, I choose to stand up for myself and others.
