Martin Luther King Jr. Inspires Award-Winning Essays
By Emily Gaines Buchler
Seven Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) students were among 28 chosen out of 4,000 participants as winners of “Champions of Courage,” a Black History Month essay competition sponsored by M&T Bank, WBFF-TV and FOX45. Their essays highlight role models who touch their lives and share the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr. Many writers highlighted high-profile individuals—Barack Obama, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Mohandas Gandhi. But Ashley Summers, a 10th grader at Western High School, wrote about her close friend, Rolonda Williams, a fellow 10th grader at Baltimore City College High School. "As a 16 year old girl," Ashley's essay reads, "[Rolonda] inspires me to continue illustrating my mural of life. She pushes me to see all the colors of the world. Like Dr. King, she encourages me to paint with diversity and to see the brush strokes of individuality. She keeps me focused and motivated to never settle for less from my grades to my lifestyle."
Another student from Western High School, Shelby Simmons, took home the first-place prize for an essay about her music teacher. "[Mrs. Robin Paige] believes that we are not just a song but a symphony," her essay reads. "Together all nationalities can become a beautiful arrangement. Like Dr. King, she believes that all races can harmonize, especially through the cultural arts."
See below for all winning essays by City Schools students. Each essay uses just a few sentences to convey positive influences in students' lives.
Shawdae
11th grade, Maryland Academy of Technology and Health Services (MATHS)
I always saw courage as standing up and fighting for what you believed in no matter the consequences. My Champion of Courage, Mohandas Gandhi, taught me that fighting for what is right doesn't have to be a violent war; it can be a peaceful revolution for a meaningful change. Mohandas Gandhi was a great leader who peacefully fought for India's independence and exemplified moral integrity. This heroic gentleman possessed strength and courage and that is why he is my champion of courage.
Ashley
10th grade, Western High School
"Motivation is the creation to a better life". As a 16 year old girl, she inspires me to continue illustrating my mural of life. She pushes me to see all the colors of the world. Like, Dr. King, she encourages me to paint with diversity and to see the brush strokes of individuality. She keeps me focused and motivated to never settle for less from my grades to my lifestyle. Rolonda Williams, my cousin, is my champion of courage.
Ashley
12th grade, Western High School
"We must combine the toughness of the serpent and the softness of the dove, a tough mind and a tender heart." Her resilient spirit propelled a revolutionary campaign and her loving manner put her daughters to bed at night. Her belief in equality compelled her to keep children healthy regardless of race or economic standing. Her husband's petition led many Americans to get involved. Like Mrs. King, she stood behind her husband's plea for change. Michelle Obama embodies Dr. King's dream.
Gilbert
8th grade, Northeast Middle School
Dr. Benjamin Carson is my Champion of Courage. Dr. Carson used his faith in God and courage to face and overcome many challenges in his life with dignity and character. He inspires students to become scholars and do their best in school, and Dr. Carson improves the quality of life of people all over the world who seek him for medical help. He is truly a champion of courage.
Kirsten
10th grade, Digital Harbor High School
When people hear the word coach, they think of a person who trains or directs athletic teams or even a railroad passenger car. Although those are correct, when my team thinks of Coach Patrick McDonald, the words that come to mind are muse, advocate, and maybe even antagonist at times, but most importantly father. He loves us as if we were his own. He recognizes the greatness instilled in our souls. Although he pressures us relentlessly, what would diamonds be without pressure? Without him, we would simply be a team instead of a family. Coach Patrick McDonald is my champion of courage.
Sarah
7th grade, City Neighbors Charter School
My Champion of Courage is my Social Studies teacher Mr. Peter French. My teacher is very open-minded to do new things. He is always thinking of big ideas that will get us thinking. Like Dr. King, Mr. French teaches us to stand out and make a difference. He tells us important topics that will help us in the future and encourages us to make changes in the world. Mr. French is always helpful and he is very fun to be around. Those are the reasons I chose Mr. French as my Champion of Courage.
Shelby
12th grade, Western High School
She believes that we are not just a song but a symphony. Together all nationalities can become a beautiful arrangement. Like Dr. King, she believes that all races can harmonize especially through the cultural arts. Teaching teens that musical power promotes teamwork and universal self-esteem, she is my inspiration. A composer of lyrical aspirations, my champion of courage is my mentor and music teacher, Mrs. Robin Paige.
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