The winners of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest read their winning essays before a crowd gathered at United Way, sharing their hopes and dreams for our community.  Read the winning essays and see how students from Elementary to High School view the world around us and its potential for change.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a time to recognize the dreams we have for the future of our country and our community. On January 16, 2011, several young members of the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area shared their hopes and dreams for our future. 

Students were asked "Can a dream really change lives?  Or a community?"  Nearly 300 students shared their views for the future of our community, with three winners chosen in 4 categories.  The essays were judged by community volunteers and the winners received cash prizes and certificates of participation. 

Read the winning essays below:

Elementary School Division Winners

Middle School Division Winners

High School Division Winners

The winning essays will also be available on the City of Omaha's "Get on the Bus" traveling MLK memorial from January 16-18.  Information and displays on an Omaha Metro bus will promote literacy, nutrition, nonviolent change and Omaha's past civil rights leaders.  The bus will visit various sites that have MLK events.  The project is a collaboration of United Way, Omaha Serves, Empowerment Network, Family Housing Advisory Services, Hunger Free Heartland, Literacy Center of the Midlands and the South Omaha Community Care Council.