Students from McCracken County Schools are being recognized for their creativity, critical thinking, and civic engagement as winners in the 2025–2026 Fredrickia Hargrove Poster and Essay Contest, presented by the Paducah–McCracken County NAACP.
The annual contest honors the legacy of respected local educator Fredrickia Hargrove and commemorates the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The competition is presented in partnership with Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership and Murray State University’s public radio station, WKMS.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Our Youth to Be Agents of Change,” encouraged students to reflect on their role in building a more just and inclusive society through the lens of Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.”
Students from McCracken County Schools earned recognition across multiple divisions:
Division 1: Poster Contest (Grades K–3)
Students illustrated their vision of a Beloved Community by improving public spaces through nature, art, or play.
Second Place: Ezra Ross, Lone Oak Elementary School
Division 2: Opinion Essay (Grades 4–5)
Students argued for the most effective way to create positive change: speaking out, serving others, or leading by example.
First Place: Kinsey Riley, Heath Elementary School
Second Place: Samuel Schweitzer, Lone Oak Intermediate School
Third Place: Georgia Barnes, Lone Oak Intermediate School
Division 5: Argumentative Essay (Grade 8)
Students advised The King Center on whether nonviolence should be taught as moral transformation, coercive power, or a combination of both.
Second Place: Sharon Shi, Lone Oak Middle School
Third Place: Ali Warmath, Lone Oak Middle School
Contest Manager Rodney Holt emphasized the academic value of the competition, noting its intentional alignment with the Kentucky State Assessment, particularly the On-Demand Writing component. Students were challenged to analyze complex issues, use evidence, and write for real-world audiences while developing original arguments.
This year’s research also highlighted local civil rights leaders and community activists, including Oscar Cross, Curlee Brown Sr., Shirley Bunch, and Helen LaFrance, connecting student learning to meaningful local history.
First-place essay winners will record their essays for broadcast at noon on Friday, January 16, on WKMS. The winning essays and first-place poster will also be featured on wkms.org.
McCracken County Schools congratulates all participating students for their outstanding work and thanks the Paducah–McCracken County NAACP and its partners for their continued support of student voice, leadership, and civic learning.