Columbia Middle School Students Shine in Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest

Moses Lake, WA — The Moses Lake School District is proud to recognize three talented Columbia Middle School 7th graders who earned top honors in the Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest, sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Moses Lake. These exceptional students were celebrated during Monday evening’s program commemorating Dr. King’s legacy. The students attended the event with their families, showcasing their enthusiasm and dedication to the ideals of equality and justice.

The contest winners are as follows:

• 1st Place: Adelyn Cruz

• 2nd Place: Giselle Serrano

• 3rd Place: Thomas Los

Under the guidance of substitute teacher Micheal Nordsten, these students explored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech from August 1963. Mr. Nordsten, who has been subbing in the school since December 9th, introduced all his classes to the 17-minute speech and facilitated a thought-provoking discussion on its themes of equality and justice. Participation in the contest, however, was entirely voluntary, and the students worked on their essays independently without any assistance from Mr. Nordsten.

“I am incredibly proud of Adelyn, Giselle, and Thomas,” said Mr. Nordsten. “These kids are another piece of good news in the district, and their achievements are something the community should celebrate.  Their work with this essay stands as the highlight of my time as a substitute teacher for Mrs. Nesmith at Columbia Middle School.”

The district encourages everyone to join in celebrating these students for their remarkable achievements and for embodying the spirit of Dr. King’s dream. The MLK Essay Contest serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of equality, justice, and the power of young people to make a difference.

For further information, please contact the Moses Lake School District Office. Special thanks to the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Moses Lake for organizing this meaningful contest.

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The Moses Lake School District serves a diverse and dynamic community, providing comprehensive educational opportunities to over 8,300 students across multiple campuses. Committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative learning environment, the district emphasizes academic excellence, career and technical education, and inclusive practices that support all students in achieving their full potential.