File Photo. Late Athens City Councilman Frank Travis walks with children during the Limestone County NAACP Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. The Curtis Coleman Center for Religion, Leadership and Culture at Athens State University will host its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Prayer and Breakfast on Thursday, Jan. 23, at 9:30 a.m.

Monday’s observances in honor of the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. were not hindered by bone-chilling temperatures in recent years, leading to a record turnout for the Limestone County NAACP’s annual ceremony and essay contest.

This year, more than 450 students sent in essays to be judged based on a theme relating back to King. Leaders and sponsors of Monday’s event said that level of participation made them feel inspired and encouraged to face future adversities together. Limestone NAACP President Wilbert Woodruff said the children’s writings sent a clear message about King’s legacy.

“All the essays are a testament to the things God allowed Dr. King to do in his lifetime,” he said, adding it’s important for adults to mentor and train children to be the leaders of tomorrow. “Because we all know Dr. King … he stood in the gap for people who had civil rights issues, social rights issues and constitutional rights issues.”

This year’s contest focused heavily on King’s lasting influence and how individuals can work to further his dreams of equality. Emcee Roderick Herron knows only too well what King’s activism did for folks like him: he was born in the heart of the Mississippi Delta and rose up to a successful life in North Alabama.

“On;y in America could my story have been written,” he said. “Nevertheless, in 2017 his dream has not been realized. You see, I’m a dreamer too. I believe in the United States of America. We can only achieve these things if we work together.”

Students picked to read their essays expounded on different quotes attributed to King and their relationship to current social and civil rights struggles. First place winners received a $300 cash prize, second place was awarded $200 and $150 for third place.

In the 6-12 year-old category the winners were: third place — Zayn McKinnie, second place — Stella Whitt, first place — Nathan Dejarnett. For the 13-15 year-old category, the winners were: third place ± Zachary Evans, second place — Jataria Cain, first place — Nancy Grace Brown. High school winners, ages 16-18: third place — Charles Harris III, second place — Molly Kilpatrick, first place — Raven Warner.

Later Monday, the club met again for a service project at Limestone Health Facility in downtown Athens, because, as Alabama NAACP president and Limestone NAACP member Benard Simelton told the crowd, “It’s a day on, not a day off.”