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MINGO JUNCTION -- A sixth-grader's heartfelt words about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have earned her honors in a local essay contest.
Maryn Barcalow's submission in the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Writing Contest, led by Ohio University Eastern, tied for a third-place finish.
The sixth-grade pupil at Indian Creek Middle School had plenty of competition, as the activity was open to students in grades 6 through 12 within OUE's service areas.
This includes submissions from Belmont, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Guernsey, Monroe, Noble and Tuscarawas counties. And in West Virginia, Marshall and Ohio counties.
Honorees were invited to attend the annual Ohio University Eastern Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration, which will take place at 6:30 p.m. today.
Top-place finishers earned $100 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third.
Judges categorized winners for grades 6-8 and then winners for those in grades 9 through 12. Barcalow's essay will be published on the OHIO Eastern website.
Entrants were asked to select a quote by the civil rights activist and to then write an essay or poem as to how that selection inspired them.
Barcalow chose King's famous quote, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
The 11-year-old wrote, "This means violence can't get rid of violence, and only courtesy "and kindness shown toward those who hurt you, will lead to peace."
"Has someone ever harmed you mentally or physically? Everyone has been hurt in some way. That can lead to fighting, drama, gossip and can even end relationships," the essay continues.
"More problems are created when someone hurts another person back. Some may think this helps solve the problem, when really it does nothing but make matters worse. If you want the feud to end, someone may need to apologize and be polite about it," she wrote.
Barcalow compared this to arguing with her three siblings. She stated feelings get hurt during disagreements and the best remedy is to apologize, listen and be patient with one another.
"I think this is an inspirational quote because it might help save friendships and really any relationship," she concluded. "This quote helps me avoid problems with my friends, family and the people in my community because choosing kindness is the better way. Maybe if more people look at this quote and understand it, things would be more peaceful."
"I feel very honored and kind of blessed to get an award," she noted. "I'm just really proud of myself."
Her parents, Jared and Hallie Barcalow of Bloomingdale, are equally proud. They hope she will enter more contests in the future.
Principal Holly Minch-Hick expressed how pleased she was to see her student recognized and is planning to attend the event to cheer her on.