Polk State collegiate high school students take top three spots in annual MLK essay contest

Coming back from winter break isn’t always a thrill, but for three Polk State College collegiate high school students, it was a victorious January.

Polk State 10th-grade students took the top three spots in the Polk County Community Relations Advisory Council’s 24th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Challenge and Awards Program. Payton James and Evie Mae Stewart of Polk State Chain of Lakes Collegiate High School finished first and second, respectively, in the high school category.

“I am so very proud of Payton and Evie,” Chain of Lakes Collegiate Principal Patrice Thigpen said. “They consistently exemplify personal character and compassion for others, and their essays are just one example of that. They are great students and even greater community members.”

Journi Donaldson of Polk State Lakeland Gateway to College Collegiate High School placed third.

“Following King’s legacy, I hope to create digital campaigns that address global issues such as human rights, environmental justice, and social equity,” Donaldson exclaimed in her essay. “By collaborating with like-minded activists and organizations, I aim to amplify messages that emphasize peace over conflict. Additionally, I plan to advocate for policies that prioritize diplomatic solutions over military interventions, encouraging leaders to embrace cooperation as the foundation of global peace.”

“Congratulations to Journi Donaldson for earning third place,” said Meesha Downing-Townsend, Principal at Gateway. “Your words echo Dr. King’s vision, and your dedication to excellence is an inspiration to us all. Keep using your voice to make an impact.”

For the contest, students were tasked with explaining how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech impacted them.

“I make sure never to judge or treat someone different based off their skin tone and to always respect and be kind to others no matter what,” James concluded in his essay. “Dr. King had a powerful dream, and I hope America can fulfill it but that will never happen until people stop treating others horribly. We will never be fully united as a nation until everyone learns to respect and appreciate one another. Until then, Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream will stay a hopeful dream that maybe one day America can make come true.”

“In a world often disfigured by conflict and division, the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stands as a powerful beacon of hope and transformation,” Stewart wrote. “Dr. King envisioned a society where justice prevailed, equality was a reality, and love triumphed over hate. His commitment to non-violence was not merely a tactic but a philosophy grounded in the belief that enduring change can only arise from peaceful means.”

The students were recognized at the Bartow Civic Center on Jan. 23. They were presented with trophies, certificates, and cash prizes.

Polk State’s three charter high schools allow students to simultaneously complete requirements for their high school diplomas while earning college credits at no cost to them. In most cases, students graduate with both their high school diplomas and Associate in Arts (AA) degrees.

Chain of Lakes is housed at the Winter Haven Campus; Gateway and Polk State Lakeland Collegiate High School are based on the Lakeland Campus. Visit polk.edu/charter-high-schools to learn more about Polk State’s charter high schools and to apply.