Indianapolis-Mia G. Gjeldum, junior at Lake Central High School in St. John, Indiana, was selected as the winner of the 2013 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art, Writing and Multimedia Contest today. Her song, "We Are One Nation", beat out more than 300 entries in the contest eligible for Indiana high school students throughout the state.
"There were exceptional entries into this year's contest," said Jamal L. Smith Executive Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. "It really made the judge's job difficult in selecting a winner."
As the contest winner, Mia will be presented with a $500 college scholarship, the 2013 Passing the Torch Award by Governor Mike Pence, and will perform her song in front of an audience of more than 400 at the 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Indiana Holiday Celebration on January 17th.
"It is truly a blessing and an honor to be able to receive this award," said Gjeldum. "For as long as I can remember, I have always been very passionate about music and performing. I look at writing and performing as my way of communication."
Provided below is a list of the complete contest results:
1st PlaceMia G. Gjeldum
Lake Central High School
St. John, Indiana
2nd PlaceMichaela A. McCully
Broad Ripple High School
Indianapolis, Indiana
3rd PlaceKatherine M. Richardson
Central Middle School
Columbus, Indiana
4th PlaceNathan DeYoung
Shenandoah High School
Middletown, Indiana
5th PlaceEmma M. Finerfrock
Central Middle School
Columbus, Indiana
For questions about the 2013 Art, Writing and Multimedia Contest call Brad Meadows at (317) 232-2651 or e-mail bmeadows@icrc.in.gov.