Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Students Shine

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle students, Yahsir Ofori Afairi, a student of Mr. Wronko’s seventh grade social studies class, Ka’shir Allen Johnson, Qirah Church, and Jaione’ Murray, students of Mr. Sudol’s sixth grade social studies class, were recognized for their essays on Americanism.

Also recognized from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School were Candice Christie and Brooke Cottman. Because of their hard work in research, revising, editing, and writing the final draft to their essays, these students were given awards by the Asbury Park-Wall Elks #128 Lodge

One major award was given to Yahsir Ofori Afairi who placed first in division two, which consisted of seventh and eighth grade students from different school districts, with his essay about what he could do to promote Americanism and love of the country. In addition, Yahsir Ofori Afairi’s essay was selected to move on to state competition. Good luck Yahsir!

Yahsir Ofori Afairi’s essay:

What I can do to promote Americanism and love of the country is helping out our veterans. For example, I would promote people to give veterans a ride, assist them with their medical care, and campaign for them to have free transportation. In addition, I would like to promote for veteran families to get free flier miles to and from the Fisher House Foundation. The Fisher House Foundation has a network of homes and hospitals for veterans and their families. These homes help military family members be close during the hospitalization of a veteran who has a combat injury, illness, or disease.

To promote Americanism and love of the country I would like to be a volunteer for the Fisher House Foundation and I would encourage others to volunteer for this organization. The next thing I could do to promote Americanism and love of the country is by getting an education. Getting a good education is one of the best things I can do to promote Americanism and love of my country because I can show the importance of education by getting a good job. Through my job I would make contributions to society and promote why working hard is very important.

I feel when you work hard no matter what job you have it promotes good citizenship. The reason why this promotes good citizenship is because services are being provided to society and thus this makes a stronger economy. By being a good citizen in this light I feel promotes Americanism and love of the country.

Finally, I would promote Americanism and love of the country by telling people to participate in the voting process of their elected officials. I feel that everyone, including myself, take part in the voting process, we are allowing our voices and opinions to be heard.