LaShonda Gurley (left), director of multicultural development at Ohio Northern University, recognized Alexander Hurtig (right), a sophomore from Ada High School, after he garnered first place in the Third Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. 

Sophomore Noah Pinkney finished in second place and sophomore Terry Sheridan collected third place. The purpose of the essay contest is to challenge students to think about how Dr. King's philosophy can be used to resolve social justice issues in today's society. 

Students are encouraged to find renewed relevancy in the spirit of Dr. King, and use this renewal to "ignite the flame" of being called to action. The MLK Celebration Committee, in collaboration with Ada High School, sponsors the annual essay contest.