Huge congratulations to our 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Essay & Poster Contest winners! 🏆

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance Day Committee is incredibly proud of the hard work, creativity, and vision these young leaders have shared with us. Their voices are a powerful reminder of the "Dream" in action.

Please join us in honoring their achievements at our upcoming Youth Awards Program:

📅 When: January 19th at 12:00 PM

📍 Where: Recreation Complex, 808 Hwy 119 S., Springfield, GA 31329

Poster Contest Winners - Grades 1-3

• 1st Place, Savion Collier, 2nd Grade – Blandford Elementary School
• 2nd Place, Arabella Hardy, 2nd Grade – Marlow Elementary School
• 3rd Place, Alejandra Acosta, 1st Grade – Blandford Elementary School
• Honorable Mention, Isla Langston, 1st Grade – Blandford Elementary School
   

Poster Contest Winners - Grades 4-5

• 1st Place, Isaiah Rivera-Rivera, 5th Grade – South Effingham Elementary School
• 2nd Place, Marley Tettey, 4th Grade – Blandford Elementary School
• 3rd Place, Brielle Enoch, 4th Grade – South Effingham Elementary School
• Honorable Mention,  Mariah Carlin, 5th Grade – Blandford Elementary School

Middle School Essay Winners

• 1st Place, Lydia Parrish, 8th Grade – Ebenezer Middle School
• 2nd Place, Zylee Lopez, 8th Grade – Ebenezer Middle School
• 3rd Place, Jenna Smith, 8th Grade – Ebenezer Middle School
• Honorable Mention, Emerson Verrier, 8th Grade – Ebenezer Middle School
   

High School Essay Winners

• 1st Place, Jiho Lee, 10th Grade – South Effingham High School
• 2nd Place, Malaya Garvin, 10th Effingham County High School
• 3rd Place, Kaden Shuman, 9th Grade –South Effingham High School
• Honorable Mention, Aeden M. Whitlock, 9th Grade – South Effingham High School