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Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission

2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Essay, Artwork and Poetry Contests | Award Winners

Visual Arts Contest
​Grades 3-5

​1st | Aubree Brown​Hardin County Schools

​2nd | Ky’ron Freeman
​Hardin County Schools
​3rd | Siyona Avalaskar​Boone County Schools
Grades 6-8

​1st | Marianna A. Moore
​Jefferson County Schools

​2nd | Naomi Honorat
​Fayette County Schools

​3rd | Evelyn Townsend​Fayette County Schools
Grades 9-10

1st | Kaleigh Barrett
​Hazard Independent Schools

​2nd | Aubrey Taylor
​Mercer County Schools
Grades 11-12


​1st | Baylee Terwilliger
​Christian County High School

​2nd | Marley Welker
​Christian County High School

​3rd | Marlee Henderson
​Christian County High School​

​4th | Heavan Dobson
​Fayette County Schools

​Honorable Mention | Jacob Williams
​Estill County Schools

​Honorable Mention | Leighlan McAllister
​Estill County Schools

​Essay Contests​ ​
Grades 3-5
​1st | Josiah Hooker
​​​Taylor County Schools
​2nd | Siyona Avalaskar
​Boone County Schools
​3rd | Kurt Raymond
​Jefferson County Schools
Grades 7-8
​1st | Lillynn Lake
​Taylor County Schools
​2nd | Lela Williams
​Fayette County Schools
Grades 9-1​2
​1st Place Tie
Jelanie Walker
Juan Garcia Chich

Bowling Green Independent School District
Jefferson County Schools
​​

​2nd | Madeline Peavler
​Burgin Independent School

​3rd | Alaya Hunter
​Department of Defense Education Activity

​4th | Seren Barnes
​Knox County Schools

​Honorable Mention | Brenden Hughes
​Estill County Schools

​Honorable Mention | Joshua Osborne
​Estill County Schools​

Poetry Contests​
Grades 6-8

​​1st Place Tie
Ella Gilliam
Camron Freeman

Fayette County Schools
Hardin County Schools
​2nd | Pippy Raymond
​Jefferson County Public Schools

​3rd | Sylvie Dryden
​Archdiocese of Louisville

​4th | Caroline St. Clair
​Fayette County Schools
Grades 9-12

​1st | Sylvia Mason
​Jefferson County Public Schools
​2nd | Zion Smith
​Owensboro Independent School System

3rd | Kyla F. Moore
​Jefferson County Public Schools


Melvin L. Turner Youth MLK, Jr. Leadership Awards​ ​
​1st | Tiffani S. Gaddie | Campbellsville, KY
​2nd | Azahria Waston | Fort Knox High School

Melvin L. Turner MLK, Jr. Adult Leadership Award
​1st | Pastor Joe T. Leavell, Jr. | Hopkinsville, KY


Mission

The Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission is composed of members appointed by the Governor from diverse backgrounds in Kentucky life, including individuals associated with labor, industry, commerce, government, civil rights, education, youth organizations, sports, fine arts, and entertainment.

The Commission’s mission is to:

  • Promote the annual MLK holiday each January as an occasion to reflect upon the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change as espoused by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

  • Encourage appropriate ceremonies and activities relating to the MLK holiday.

  • Promote community service in honor of the principles taught by Dr. King.

  • Provide advice and assistance to local governments and private organizations with respect to observance of the holiday.

  • Promote the holiday for interracial cooperation and youth antiviolence initiatives.

  • Whereas, we honor this mortal man, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who made the ultimate sacrifice; therefore, it is the Commission’s intention to promote unity, equality and justice for all people in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the United States and the world.

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Upcoming Meetings

  • February 2, 2026
  • March 2, 2026
  • April 6, 2026
  • May 4, 2026
  • June 1, 2026
  • July 6, 2026
  • August 3, 2026
  • September 14, 2026
  • October 5, 2026
  • November 2, 2026
  • December 7, 2026


​2025 MLK Jr Essay, Artwork & Poetry Contest | Award Ceremony

 



Commission Member Roster 2025

Kevin L. Russell, Radcliff, Chair

​Megan Bailey, Bowling Green

Sarah Gaines, Lexington

Shana Leigh Goggins, Richmond

Stan L. Holmes, Vine Grove

​Althea Jackson, Louisville

Priscilla Johnson, Lexington

​Ruth D. Lynch, Hopkinsville

​Scott Palmer Mason, Bowling Green

Beverly Metcalf, Frankfort

Rhondalyn Randolph, Owensboro

Matthew Smyzer, Louisville

​Wanda Washington, Campbellsville​


"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."  
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.