Special Events

Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Competition

Students are invited to submit original essays reflecting on Dr. King’s message and exploring the theme "Together We Dream: Building Stronger Community Through Action."

In 2026, the City of Irving commemorates Dr. King’s extraordinary activism in the American Civil Rights Movement and his belief in the power of dialogue to bridge divides. Students are encouraged to consider how acts of courage and kindness can help build a stronger, more connected Irving community.

Reflect on what it means to be part of a community and describe how people of all ages can take small, meaningful actions that bring Dr. King’s dream to life. Consider how “building stronger community through action” can shape the City of Irving today and inspire others to join in to create positive change.

Essay Guidelines

Age categories: Grades 3–5, Grades 6–8, and Grades 9–12.
Topic: Essays should discuss how acts of courage and kindness can help build a stronger, more connected Irving community.
Length: Maximum of 1 page or 500 words.
Judging: Based on clarity, grammar, theme development and depth of understanding appropriate to the writer’s age.
Entry limit: One entry per student.
Deadline: Essays are due Jan. 13.

Awards + Presentation

Winners from each category will be invited to read their essays during the MLK observance at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, at Carpenter Performance Hall in the Irving Arts Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.

Submission Requirements

Please complete the form in its entirety. Entries submitted by children under the age of 18 must include a parent or guardian’s electronic signature and valid contact information.

Parent/Guardian Name

First Name *

Middle Initial

Last Name *

Email *

Address

Address Line One *

Address Line Two

City *

State *

Zip *

Student Information

Student Name

First Name *

Middle Initial

Last Name *

Student's Current School *

Student Grade *

Student Age *

Judging Category Based on Grade *

Essay Information

Essay Title *

Paste your essay in the box. *

Acknowledgment * I confirm that the essay submitted is my own work or the work of my child (if under 18). Upon submission essays become the property of the City of Irving.

Digital Signature: Type Your Full Name *

Parks & Recreation | Special Events

Hannah James

Special Events Coordinator

Jack D. Huffman Community Building

801 W. Irving Blvd.

2nd Floor

Irving, TX 75060

M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

P: (972) 721-2501