FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 10, 2025
CLOVIS, NM – With more than 400 projects submitted by students from Clovis Municipal Schools and Clovis Christian School, the Clovis Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission is proud to announce the winners of the annual Art, Essay, and Speech Contest.
On December 9, students stepped out of their comfort zones to participate in the speech contest portion, showcasing their thoughts and reflections on this year’s theme: "Non-violence seeks to win friendship and understanding." First-place speech winners will have the opportunity to perform their speeches at the 34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, which will take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Clovis High School Cafeteria.
The scholarship breakfast, an annual tradition in Clovis, highlights student achievement and honors Dr. King’s enduring legacy of peace and unity. All contest winners will be acknowledged at the event, receiving medallions to commemorate their hard work and dedication. In addition, first-place winners in each contest category will receive cash prizes in recognition of their outstanding submissions.
The Clovis Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission extends its heartfelt thanks to the parents, teachers, and school administrators who supported students throughout the contest process. Their guidance and encouragement helped students explore Dr. King’s legacy and reflect on the importance of non-violence and understanding in today's world.
Art
Kindergarten Art Category
1st place - Aria Padillia - Clovis Christian Schools
2nd place - Julia Wright - Clovis Christian Schools
3rd place - Thea Cordell - Clovis Christian Schools
1st - 2nd Grade Art Category
1st place - Camilla Franklin - 1st grade - iAcademy at Lincoln Jackson
2nd place - Daleyza Quintana, 2nd grade - Parkview Elementary
3rd place - Joanna Hoover - 1st grade - Clovis Christian Schools
3rd - 5th Grade Art Category
1st place - Elizabeth Ann Guiterrez - Clovis Christian Schools
2nd place - David Dirksmeyer - Clovis Christian Schools
3rd place - Kaelob Espinoza Cerda - La Casita Elementary
6th - 8th Grade Art Category
1st place - Gloria Briseno - Yucca Middle School
2nd place - Marisol Portillo-Carrera - Yucca Middle School
3rd place - Athena Dickenson - Yucca Middle School
9th Grade Art Category
1st place - Maylon Crowder - iAcademy at Lincoln Jackson
10th - 12th Grade Art Category
1st place - Makenna Music and Alex Medina - Clovis High School
2nd place - Jazmin Peralez and Electra Maleakhi - Clovis High School
Essay
1st - 2nd Grade Essay Category
1st place - Lincoln Bolling - Highland Elementary School
2nd place - Beckett Wiegel - Zia Elementary School
3rd - 5th Grade Essay Category
1st place - Mia Romero - James Bickley Elementary
2nd place - Autumn Roaf - iAcademy at Lincoln Jackson
3rd place - Kage Trujillo - James Bickley Elementary
6th - 8th Grade Essay Category
1st place - Damion Munoz - Yucca Middle School
2nd place - Charles Busija - Clovis Christian School
3rd place - Caleb Martin - Clovis Christian School
9th Grade Essay Category
1st place - Natalie Ellsworth - Clovis Christian School
10th - 12th Grade Essay Category
1st place - Anesa Maltos - Clovis High School
2nd place - Jaylyn Trujillo - Clovis High School
3rd place - Jalisa Raney - Clovis Christian School
Speech
Kindergarten Speech Category
1st Place - Symphony Smart - Mesa Elementary
3rd - 5th Grade Speech Category
1st place - Damian Chavez - Arts Academy at Bella Vista
2nd place - Sky Smart - Mesa Elementary
6th - 8th Grade Speech Category
1st place - Kayson Warner - Yucca Middle School
2nd place - Jillian Ritchey - Clovis Christian School
3rd place - Chad Johns - Clovis Christian School
10th - 12th Grade Speech Category
1st place - Allyanah Deshoutel - Early College High School
For more information, please contact:
Joyce Pollard, President
Clovis Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission
P.O. Box 1261
575-762-2752