Murphy Shares Winning Essays Of His 10th Annual 'Martin Luther King Jr. Day Essay Challenge'

HARTFORD, CT- Marking the 10-year anniversary of his 'Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Challenge,' U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Friday announced the 15 winners of the contest.

This year, Murphy received more than 1,000 entries from elementary, middle, and high school students from across Connecticut reflecting on how they can live Dr. King's legacy in their own communities.

"Dr. King's legacy transcends the actions of one man. Through his courage and commitment, Dr. King spurred a movement and inspired Americans to make a difference in their own communities. On the 10th anniversary of this contest, I am so moved by these essays from students across Connecticut pushing Dr. King's work forward. This is a scary moment for our country, but these young authors remind us we all have the power to make a difference," said Murphy.

1st Congressional District Winners:

Romesh Mahesh Kumar, Breakthrough II Magnet School, Hartford

Maya Szewczyk, Martin Kellogg Middle School, Newington

Jean Zendel Yema, Bristol Eastern High School, Bristol

2nd Congressional District Winners:

Miriam Murphy, Mile Creek School, Old Lyme

Noah M. Chieffo, Mansfield Middle School, Mansfield

Jeremi Helwig, Tourtellotte Memorial High School, Thompson

3rd Congressional District Winners:

Ichika Nagata, Francis Walsh Intermediate School, Branford

Shambhavi Bawankar, West Shore Middle School, Milford

Charlotte Jensen, Hopkins School, New Haven

4th Congressional District Winners:

Watson Campana, Stratfield Elementary, Fairfield

Alina Bhanderi, Middlebrook School, Wilton

Matteo Urso, Norwalk High School, Norwalk

5th Congressional District Winners:

Kattaleya Mitchell, Vance Village Elementary School, New Britain

Farrah Evelyn Lamoureux, Rochambeau Middle School, Southbury

Tavares Anderson, Crosby High School, Waterbury