Penn Hills Eighth Grader Wins 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Literacy Expression Contest

This prestigious contest challenged students to explore the theme of Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365.

Nivea initially believed the essay was just a regular assignment for Ms. Miles' creative writing class, unaware that her work would be submitted to a competition. To prepare the class and spark each student's creativity, Ms. Miles had her students watch videos of Dr. King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech and the March on Washington.

"It was challenging to find the right words, but writing about it made me realize the power of words and the importance of standing up for justice peacefully," Nivea shared. Beyond classroom discussions, she conducted her own research, uncovering additional quotes from Dr. King to help influence her writing. 

Ms. Miles expressed her pride in Nivea's growth and success. "This was the first time I encouraged my students to participate in this contest. Nivea's success demonstrates how opportunities like this can inspire students to think critically and creatively about social issues. Her essay stood out for its depth and clarity, and I couldn't be prouder."

Category I of the contest was open to students in grades 6-8, while Category II was designated for students in grades 9-12. Nivea earned first place in the Category I competition, receiving a $400 prize for her outstanding essay. She was honored for her achievement at a special banquet hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, where she was presented with a certificate celebrating her success.

This remarkable accomplishment is a proud moment for both Nivea and the Penn Hills School District. It underscores the importance of fostering creativity and critical thinking in the classroom and encouraging students to engage with the enduring values of justice and nonviolence. 

Congratulations again to Nivea Knight on this outstanding achievement!