The Ohio University Southern Council on Diversity and Inclusion is seeking student entries for its ninth annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest. The event is open to Tri-State students.

Students are asked to write personal “I Am” essays in which they focus on an aspect of their personality, cultural heritage, values, or any aspect of identity to communicate with others about themselves. Organizers say the essays are hoped to help students communicate about themselves and their unique roles in the community.

Rules and Guidelines may be found online at www.ohio.edu/southern/events/mlk.cfm. Student essays will be considered in two categories: grades 6-8 and grades 9-12. Cash prizes for the top three essays in each age category will be awarded.

All essay submissions must adhere to the guidelines and be submitted by an entry form which can be found on the contest website. The deadline for all submissions is at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, 2019.

For more information, please contact Robert Pleasant, associate director of Student Resource Commons Ohio University Southern. He can be reached by calling 740-533-4600.