Students from Oneonta, Worcester and Gilbertsville-Mount Upton were announced as winners of the SUNY Oneonta Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest on January 29. First place winners for Elementary School: Zoey Mae Elizabeth Beal, Greater Plains Elementary, Grade 5. Middle School: Julianna Everson, Worcester Central School, Grade 8. High School: Emma Peck, Gilbertsville Mt. Upton Central School, Grade 11. (Submitted photo)

ONEONTA — Students from Oneonta, Worcester and Gilbertsville-Mount Upton were announced as winners of the SUNY Oneonta Office of Equity and Inclusion’s Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest at SUNY Oneonta's MLK Commemorative Program on January 29. Each student won a plaque and $100 prize.

First place winners:

Elementary School: Zoey Mae Elizabeth Beal, Greater Plains Elementary, Grade 5.

Middle School: Julianna Everson, Worcester Central School, Grade 8.

High School: Emma Peck, Gilbertsville Mt. Upton Central School, Grade 11.

In the essay, the students wrote about the legacy of Dr. King. Where do you see his impact in your community? Is there someone you know who embodies the spirit of Dr. King? How can people your age participate in this legacy and make an impact inspired by his work?

Pictured is SUNY Oneonta Chief Diversity Officer Bernadette Tiapo (far left) and SUNY Oneonta Associate Director of the Center for Racial Justice and Inclusive Excellence Laura Arias (far right) with winning students.

-Information provided by SUNY Oneonta