Artwork by Layne Willhite honored by SIUE at 2018 MLK Celebration
Two Collinsville High School students’ creative works won recognition from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as part of their annual Martin Luther King Jr Observance Celebration. The two awards are among only three presented to local students.
“Unfolding Knowledge” an original poem by Collinsville High School junior Keana Fox was chosen as the winner of the 2018 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Observance Celebration Essay and Poetry Contest. Original artwork by senior Layne Willhite was selected to receive a Visual Arts award.
The creative works will be shared and honored during the 2018 Martin Luther King Junior Day Luncheon Celebration at SIUE on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 in the Meridian Ballroom.
The theme of this year’s contest was “Intelligence Plus Character – That is the True Meaning of Education” — a direct quote from Dr. King’s (1947) letter titled “The Purpose of Education” which serves as a call for action in defense of the great benefit education has on everyone.
Willhite’s drawing features a young man’s face split into two distinct personas with the caption, “Intelligence plus character, That is the true purpose of education.” The Visual Arts category includes painting, drawing, sculpture, or similar mixed media.
Fox’s poem has imagery of origami folds and creatures formed by today’s educational system. Her words include:
Because of offering peace, offering love,
Like each one of us is an intellectual flower child of the century
Seems to be much harder
Than understanding what it means to exist in harmony.
Entries were judged on originality, organization, clarity of meaning, grammar and spelling. Judges were members of the SIUE Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Luncheon Committee. Each winner receives a cash award of $100.00 and a recognition plaque.
Click here to read the complete text of UNFOLDING KNOWLEDGE by Keana Fox