NOTE: To read the four winning essays, click the links in "Related Articles," at right.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s life was celebrated Feb. 1 by members of the community and the students and staff of McDaniel College with dinner, music and an awards ceremony that recognized local students.

Now in its 12th year, the essay contest for local elementary and secondary students received 202 submissions, and for the first time, more than just essays were accepted.

"We opened it up a bit to any kind of writing contest," said Mahlia Joyce, acting director, diversity and multicultural affairs for the college, about the contest. "Students were able to write poems and songs."

The writings were to focus on what the students did to continue King's dream and how it changed them and their community.

Emma Kartalia, a fifth-grader from William Winchester Elementary School, was the winner of the elementary contest. She wrote about how she defended someone who was crying because they had been excluded from playground activities.

For her winning essay in the secondary contest, Colleen Carroll, an eighth-grader at Sykesville Middle School, wrote about how she tries to help the environment and community by recycling; working with a local rugby team; helping at her school's Market Day and hosting a canned goods drive as part of her birthday celebration.

"This is my favorite time of the year," said Patricia Levroney, coordinator of minority achievement and community outreach, to the packed room. "We get to showcase our young people, and their talents."

Both Kartalia and Carroll read their writings to the crowd. Honorable mention winners Flannery Bendel-Simso, a fifth-grader at William Winchester, and Ashlee Vrzak, an eighth-grader at Sykesville Middle School, were also acknowledged.

All winners were presented gift bags and certificates. Carroll received a $75 cash prize. Kartalia received a $50 prize.

"It's quite an honor," said Ralph Billings, principal of Sykesville Middle School, of having two students recognized. "When you have the quality selection you have to go through and to have two kids that are selected, that's incredible."

Carroll credited her social studies teacher, Sarah Gallagher, for informing her of the contest. "She's a very good teacher," Carroll said.

"I'm really proud of them," Gallagher said. "They're great kids."

This year marked many firsts for the celebration. Traditionally held in the college's theater, the event was changed to become a dinner event and moved to McDaniel's Decker Forum. And instead of a candle lighting ceremony, a multimedia production about King's life was presented by Key Arts Productions Inc.

"This has been a fabulous change for us," said Jean Lewis, president of Carroll County NAACP, in her closing remarks. "We have all enjoyed it. "

"It was beyond what I expected. A great tribute to Martin Luther King," added Natalie Kartalia, Emma's mother. "It was great. She was thrilled to do it."

One of Emma's greatest joys was sharing her honor with Bendel-Simso, her best friend.

How do friends celebrate the win?

"I think we're having a sleepover on Friday," said Emma, smiling brightly. "We're best friends. It's crazy."

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