MOSES LAKE — During the Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. event Monday, the winners of the Martin Luther King Jr. essay writing contest for Columbia Middle School students were announced.  

The event and essay contest were organized by the Moses Lake Martin Luther King Jr. Committee. The Moses Lake Creative District helped with planning the event.  

The essay contest was led under the guidance of substitute teacher Micheal Nordsten. Students explored Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The students watched the speech and had thought-provoking discussions regarding equality and justice, according to a release from Moses Lake School District.  

“I am incredibly proud of Adelyn, Giselle, and Thomas,” said Nordsten in a statement from the district. “These kids are another piece of good news in the district, and their achievements are something the community should celebrate. Their work with this essay stands as the highlight of my time as a substitute teacher for Mrs. Nesmith at Columbia Middle School.” 

The first-place winner was seventh grader Adelyn Cruz.   

"She should feel proud because her essay was the bomb,” Moses Lake Martin Luther King Jr. Committee President Miranda Bridges-Lindsey said during the event. 

Second place went to Giselle Serrano. Third place went to Thomas Los.   

“They should feel proud,” Bridges-Lindsey said during the event. “The parents should feel proud. They did a fabulous job with their essays. So, I'm excited. I thank you again for participating in our essay contest, and we will be doing this again next year.”  

    The second-place recipient for the Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest was Giselle Serrano, right. Moses Lake Martin Luther King Jr. Committee Vice President LaDonna Richie, left, and Moses Lake Martin Luther King Jr. Committee President Miranda Bridges-Lindsey, middle, presented the award to Serrano.
  

    Thomas Los, right, earned third place for the Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. Moses Lake Martin Luther King Jr. Committee Vice President LaDonna Richie, left, and Moses Lake Martin Luther King Jr. Committee President Miranda Bridges-Lindsey, middle, presented the award to Serrano.