The Palmetto Youth Center announced the winners of their annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Speech & Essay Contest.
Participating Manatee County middle and high school students completed a 500–700-word essay on the following topic: “How did Martin Luther King, Jr. influence people? Do you believe his methods would be as effective in today’s world?”
The top essay was written by 12th grader Stefan Roggendorf from Lakewood Ranch High School. Second place was awarded to senior Ervin Bautista-Limon from Bayshore High School.
In the middle school category, the following students were recognized: First Place – 8th grader Hailey Wahlmann, Dr. Mona Jain Middle School; Second Place – 8th grader Georgia Pigliavento, Dr. Mona Jain Middle School; Third Place – 8th grader Katarina Paben, Dr. Mona Jain Middle School; Honorable Mention – 7th grader Ju’Juan Goff, Lincoln Memorial Middle School, and Honorable Mention – 8th grader Phillip Huynh from Sugg Middle School.
The grand prize winners each received a computer and $150, second place earned $100, and third place received $75 at a banquet sponsored by The Palmetto Youth Center on January 12, 2024.