Schools
YMCA Invites High School Youth to Share Their Voices in Annual Essay Contest
Scholarship Celebrates the Mission of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The YMCA of the Jersey Shore (the Y) invites all high school students from Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties to participate in the 2027 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. essay contest.
Two grand prize winners will receive a $3,000 academic scholarship, sponsored by Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey Natural Gas and PorterPlus Realty. Each winner will also receive a full-year YMCA youth membership of their choice at any of the following Y locations: Red Bank, Freehold, Old Bridge and Ocean County.
A Focus on Creating Change
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This is the second year the Y is accepting submissions from all high school students in the Jersey Shore area, having expanded to include Ocean County schools last year.
“Young people bring fresh ideas, unique perspectives and powerful voices that are essential to shaping a brighter future,” said the Y’s President and Chief Executive Officer Laurie Goganzer. “At the Y, we believe it’s important to create opportunities for youth to express themselves, share their experiences and know that their voices matter.”
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The essay contest is an expression of the Y’s commitment to youth development and social justice. This year, participants are asked to reflect on what it means to make a positive and meaningful difference in their community by responding to the following prompt:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. taught that anyone can help create change by serving others and doing what is right, even when it’s difficult. How can high school students put these values into action in their schools and communities today? Share specific examples of how you have demonstrated honesty, empathy, responsibility and service in your daily life. Finally, suggest one concrete action students, schools or youth groups can begin right now to make a positive difference.
Essays must be accompanied by a short application which allows students to share additional information pertaining to sports, hobbies and involvement in community service.
38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Breakfast
The grand prize winners and their parents/guardians will be invited to attend the 38th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Breakfast on Friday, Jan. 15, 2027. The breakfast will be held at a new location, Warehouse 100 at iPlay America, 104 Schanck Rd, Freehold, New Jersey 07728, to allow the Y to welcome more community members.
The event celebrates the life and work of Dr. King and recognizes the work of local civic leaders dedicated to carrying out Dr. King’s commitment to social justice. Scholarship recipients will read their winning essay to attendees during the event program.
Dr. John E. Harmon, Sr. IOM, Founder, President & CEO of the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) will deliver the keynote address. The following community leaders will also be recognized:
- Human Dignity Award: Suzanne Keller, The Source at Red Bank Regional High School
- Community Champion Award: Steve Heisman, HABcore
- Social Responsibility Award: Carol Stillwell
- Youth Changemaker: Samvarth (Samvi) Raj
“Coming together each year to honor Dr. King’s legacy reminds us of the power of community and our shared responsibility to create a brighter future,” said Michael A. Wright, chief volunteer officer of the Y and chairperson of the event committee. “We hope to inspire the next generation of leaders to use their voices and make a meaningful difference in the world.”
To participate in the contest, applicants must submit their application and essay by Nov. 20, 2026, by 5 p.m., to giving@ymcanj.org. Additional eligibility requirements, essay contest application and full event details with sponsorship information can be found at https://ymcanj.org/mlk.
About YMCA of the Jersey Shore
The YMCA of the Jersey Shore is a cause-driven nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Based in Shrewsbury, NJ, we serve 65,000 people annually in Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. From lifesaving swim lessons and child care to mental health support, chronic disease prevention, and care for seniors, we offer programs that uplift people of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. With a legacy of more than 150 years of service, we’re proud to be named a Top Workplace in New Jersey since 2022 by NJ Advance Media.
