Office of Human Rights & Equity's Contests & Awards

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On behalf of the Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity and the Howard County Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, students and community members are invited to participate in several exciting contests.  All contest winners will receive a monetary prize and be listed on the County’s Office of Human Rights and Equity’s (OHRE) website. Winners will be recognized at the Celebration on January 18, 2026, at Horowitz Center Smith Theatre, located at Howard Community College. 

2026 CONTEST THEME: "“How can I model inclusion and acceptance to create real change in the world?" 

CONTESTS:

• Oratory Contest: Open to Middle and High School students, this contest challenges participants to write and deliver a speech about an example of when they practiced inclusion and acceptance to create real change in their school or community. Discuss challenges, outcomes, and personal growth.

• Essay Contest: Also, for Middle and High School students, this competition invites them to articulate their thoughts and reflections about using inclusion and acceptance to make positive changes within themselves, schools and communities. Discuss challenges, outcomes and personal growth.

• Poster Contest: Open to Elementary, Middle, and High School students, the poster contest presents students with the opportunity to create an original piece of artwork that illustrates how to use kindness to make positive changes in themselves, schools, and communities.  To submit poster entries, scan or photograph the artwork and email it to mlk@howardcountymd.gov or you can mail a copy to the Office of Human Rights & Equity at 9820 Patuxent Woods Dr. Suite 237, Columbia, MD 21046.  Please do not send the original artwork. Winners will be notified about sending in the original piece. 

All essay, oratory and poster entrees must include an application form.  It must be signed by a parent or guardian if the student is under 18. Click HERE to download a copy.

• The Living the Dream Award: This prestigious honor is open to students, individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to making Howard County a better place, embodying the principles that Dr. King championed. Self-nominations are accepted. The Living the Dream Award comes with a monetary prize and trophy. Click HERE  to nominate your candidate online. You may also download a fillable PDF application HERE and email it to us.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE AND INFORMATION:

All entries must be received by November 7th (extended deadline), 2025 at 5:00 PM EST

• Via Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov

• Via Mail: Howard County Office of Human Rights & Equity; 9820 Patuxent Woods Drive, Suite 237 Columbia, MD 21046

• For More Information: Call (410) 313-6430 or Email: MLK@howardcountymd.gov.