Students in the Leeds City Schools are asked to participate in an art an essay contest honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the unity that lives within the Leeds community.

The essay contest is open to Leeds City School middle and high school students. To be eligible, students must submit an essay of at least 250 words on the following topic: “Dr. King and his Dream.”

Essays will be judged in two categories: high school (grades 9-12) and middle school (grades 6-8) with separate prizes awarded to the winners in each category.

Middle School prizes are: first place $75; second place $50; third place $25 and fourth place $15 and high school prizes are: first place $125; second place $100; third place $75 and fourth place $50.

The art contest is open to all Leeds City School students K-12. Portraits, posters and/or collages of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. must be on white paper and at least 8 ½ x 11. Sculptures are also acceptable.

Portraits will be judged in three categories: high school (grades 9-12), middle school (grades 6-8) and elementary school (grades K-12) with separate prizes awarded to the winners in each category.

Elementary school prizes are: first place $50; second place $30; third place $20 and fourth place $10.

Middle school prizes are: first place $50; second place $35; third place $20 and fourth place $15.

High School prizes are: first place $100; second place $75; third place $50 and fourth place $25.

Students may enter both contests. Award recipients will be invited to attend the Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast at Barber Motorsports and will be recognized during the program in local newspapers and the Leeds Herald.

Artwork and essays should include the name of the student, school, grade and 2010 on the back.

The committee will collect these items from the front office of each school on January 8, 2010 at 3 p.m. No exceptions will be made.

Email any questions to leedsmlkjrcommittee@yahoo.com.

The committee said they look forward to sharing in the students lives through their art and essays and that they cannot wait to award the prizes come January.