"The Mountaintop Today" 2026 MLK Day Student Contest

In preparation for our community’s 27th annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, all Lakota students are invited to participate in a contest.

This year’s "The Mountaintop Today" theme challenges students to read or listen to Dr. King's entire Mountaintop speech, delivered on April 3, 1968 in Memphis, Tenn. Students are asked to identify one part of the speech that speaks to them or reflects something in their own life, community or the world they live in today. Ultimately, the final entry should relate that message to their own life and provide specific examples for how they can help change the world and impact future generations. 

Students in grades K-12 have the option to submit in writing the equivalent to a two-minute speech. They may also choose to respond through any artistic medium of their choice. 

In addition to individual entries, classes, troops, or youth organizations for students in grades K-12 who would like to enter the contest as a group project are invited to be as creative as possible, with skits, songs, artwork or videos that can be presented within a two-minute time limit.

All entries must be submitted electronically via the 2026 “Live the Dream” student contest entry form. Each individual entry must be submitted separately; please do not upload multiple students' entries on a single form.The deadline for entering is Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

Winners will share their entries with the public as part of the community celebration, to be held on January 19, 2026 following a march that extends from West Chester Township to Liberty Township.  Additionally, entries may be shared with the community through various venues throughout the duration of January and February.

Click here to access complete contest details and requirements, including this year’s full contest prompt.