The annual Martin Luther King Jr. art and essay contest in Cherokee County’s public schools is now in progress.

Tedi Gibbons, chairman of the contest, and Sandra Greene met with school principals last week to encourage participation in the contest and to go over the rules.

This year’s theme, “Yes, We Can Build Strong Families,” was chosen to put forth one of Dr. King’s principles for fulfilling his dream for America.

Students who place first, second or third on each grade level will receive a gift and be recognized at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at Limestone College on Jan. 18, 2010. First place winners in each grade level will have their work displayed at the college on that date and will be awarded a $25 savings bond and a gift. Writing first place winners will be asked to read their entries at the annual meeting.

Each school will set its own date for receiving entries in art and writing, but all entries must be delivered to the district school office by December 12.

Writing entries must be typewritten or written in ink and double spaced. Each entry must be supervised by the classroom teacher to certify the student’s own work. Emphasis should be placed on the strong family aspect and not on the biological facts of Dr. King’s life. The student’s name, school, grade level, and home phone number should be clearly written on the back of the paper so the judges will not know the identity of the contributor. Originality will be a key factor in the judging of the entry.

Art entries must be drawn and/or painted on at least one-half sheet of poster paper and must be in color. Development of the theme is crucial – “Yes, We Can Build Strong Families.” The student’s name, school, grade level, and home phone number should be appear on the back.

This year, for the first time, an award will be made to the school with the best participation and to the teacher with the best participation. The award is a check to be used for the purchase of library books for the school.

Anyone with questions is encouraged to call Gibbons at 489-9863.