Newburgh - Each year, the "Keeping the Dream Alive" Award Committee challenges students throughout the Greater Newburgh Area to write an essay focusing on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Two students from 6th, 9th, and 12th grades are awarded for their interpretations of King’s struggles, achievements, dedication and how he lost his life pursuing equality, freedom, and justice for all people. This years essay topic was "Keeping the Dream Alive."
Alania Relaford, a 9th grade student in Miss Duvall’s class at North Junior High, was awarded a $50 gift certificate and a plaque for the following essay.
Keeping Alive the Dream
By Alania Relaford
When listening to Dr. Martin Luther King speech, I learned a lot about the importance of freedom. When Dr. Martin Luther King stated "let freedom ring", he meant that all of God’s children should be free from the hatred, the prejudice and racism that occur each and every day. We still have the power to become free physically and spiritually. Keep striving to do away with violence by loving one another respecting our neighbors, protect our communities, giving support to our leaders in the community.
I have learned to communicate with people sharing my ideas. Dr. Martin Luther King has taught me to strive toward greatness. Get the proper education, be articulate in my speaking and show good character. I remember how my grandmother told me about showing and giving respect to our elders. I take heed to that this day and I do errands for the elderly.
I know that as the years grow in this life through communication may increase honor and respect according to my action of doing the right things. I will continue to learn the importance of acquiring an education.
In showing how productive I am toward letting freedom ring, I did participate in events, such as the African Day Parade, served food to the elderly and house cleaning for the sick and disabled.
Each day I make it my duty to perform a good deed toward helping people. It keeps me be free of spirit, when I can communicate with people from all walks of life, breaking the race barrier, challenging the obstacles that sometime hinder my growth. Dr. Martin Luther King’s words help me to stay focused.
