Wallingford Student Wins Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Challenge

WALLINGFORD, CT — Aanya Kumar of Parker Farms Elementary School in Wallingford was among the 15 elementary, middle, and high school students from across Connecticut selected as winners of U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy’s fifth annual “Martin Luther King Jr. Day Essay Challenge.”

This year, Murphy (D-Conn.) received close to 2,800 entries from Connecticut students reflecting on Dr. King’s dream and their own aspirations.

“The events of the past year have laid bare the mass inequities in our country and, as we reflect on Dr. King’s dream for justice and equality in America, it is clear we still have a way to go,” Murphy said in a statement. “The essays submitted by students across Connecticut continue to give me hope. I’m certain that if these students continue to stay engaged in their community and reject the sins of our past, we’ll realize Dr. King’s dream sooner rather than later.”

Read Kumar’s essay below:

Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream was for everyone to have equal rights. He lived through a time where your value was defined by your skin color, and because he was black, he dealt with unequal treatment. Because of this inequality, many people were hurt and angry. King’s experiences with prejudice are what inspired him to make a change and fight for fair treatment.

Just like King, I also have a dream. I want to become a doctor and make sure everyone gets equal access to medical treatments. Sadly, our country is built on inequality in many aspects, including healthcare. People who are richer often have their health treatments prioritized, even if others who are not as fortunate are also suffering. My dream is to keep people healthy, and I will fight to make sure everyone receives the care they deserve, no matter who they are or where they come from. King began our fight for equality, but it is far from over. I admire his passion and I hope to use the lessons I have learned from him to make our world a better place for everyone when I grow up.