A CEREMONY to recognise the four top winners of the U.S. Embassy’s inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest, was hosted by US Ambassador Hardt on January 17 last, at his Turkeyen Gardens residence.
The occasion, at which the top participants were joined by their families and school representatives, coincided with an observance honouring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his contributions as a leader of the civil rights movement and for his dedication to the ideals of equality, justice, and peace, an embassy release noted. 
The winning essays reflected  how Guyanese youth can contribute to a “revolution of values” that reflects unconditional love for all people regardless of tribe, race, class, or creed.
Prior to announcing the winners of the essay contest, Ambassador Hardt discussed how Americans celebrate the honouring of Dr. King on the third Monday of January every year, and as a public holiday.
He also described how Dr. King led the charge to overcome racial divisions and bind the American nation together as one people. 
According to the Ambassador , the essays carried a common theme:  a recognition that changing the world for the better and overcoming hatred and division begins with each of us—with what we do and how we act toward others.
In concluding his remarks, Ambassador Hardt announced the winners and asked the second, third and fourth prize winners to each read excerpts from their  respective essays, while the first place winner was asked to read hers in its entirety. 
Awarded the First Prize was Sheena Chin, from President’s College, for her essay “Peace and Love:  The Key to Our Own Paradise on Earth”; Second was Kenesha Adams, of Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary, whose essay was titled “How Can Young People Contribute to the Advancement of Dr. King’s Revolution of Values” ; Sondrea Low of Bishops’ High received  the Third Place for her essay, “Promoting Strength and Unity in our Country”,  fourth prize went to Manouska Vyfhuis from Mackenzie High for her essay, “Martin Luther King Jr.:  1929-1968.”
The embassy presented each of the winners with a monetary award for the purchase of books and school supplies, several books about Dr. King, and a certificate of participation signed by Ambassador  Hardt.
They also had a photo opportunity with the Ambassador and his wife, Mrs. Saskia Hardt.
The contest was open to students, ages 12 to 16 in public and private schools throughout Guyana. 
Sheena Chin, in her essay, called attention to the vital role that the young people of Guyana can play, whether at home, in school, in clubs, in religious organisations, or in volunteer efforts, to lead the way to a revolution of values.  
To achieve a more peaceful, united world, she calls for all of us to “take the opportunity to learn more about the different cultures” so we can “appreciate others more.”
Kenesha Adams focused on the important role of education in overcoming division and misunderstanding.   She argued that Dr. King’s dream can be advanced by educating young people about different peoples and their cultures.  She also highlighted commonalities among the teachings of major religious groups, in promoting values of love for others, generosity, and kindness. 
Sondrea Low identified creative ways to build awareness of the richness of the many cultures that make up Guyana, from “bottom house meetings” and clubs, to plays and performances.  She expressed a concern that modern technology can often alienate people from each other, and called for more activities where people interact directly with each other.  
Manouska Vyphius  reflected on the life and work of Dr. King, and the impact he had during his lifetime.  She effectively highlighted the many struggles he faced, the persistence with which he pursued his dream, and his accomplishments.