CHS grads awarded scholarships in MLK essay contest

Two recent Clovis High School graduates each were awarded scholarships in a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest.

Ella Howalt and Janee Royal were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship each by the Clovis Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, according to Second Vice Chair Constance Williams.

“Both young ladies submitted excellent papers based on the theme, ‘It Starts with Me, Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Break the Cycle of Injustice’ Williams wrote in a news release.

Howalt will attend New Mexico State University and Royal will attend Eastern New Mexico University.

“We wish them the best and look forward to seeing the ways they choose to cultivate the ‘beloved community’ in the future,” Williams wrote.

Williams wrote the call for entries to the scholarship contest went out in April for seniors from CHS and Clovis Christian School to submit entries for the contest.

Both essays were 700 to 800 words in length.

In her essay, Howalt wrote, “The first words that catch my attention (are) a “Beloved Community,” this statement was made popular by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when trying to prove that a community who is fully cared for, nonexistent of poverty, or starvation was achievable. He preached these words in hopes that one day his dreams would come true. Although it hasn’t happened yet, I believe that we’re getting closer to this ‘Beloved Community’ he speaks of.”

In her essay, Royal noted, “As a young African American girl, I am all too familiar with the injustices that exist in our society. From systemic racism to police brutality, it often feels like the odds are stacked against me and my community. However, I refuse to let these injustices define me or limit my potential. I believe that change starts with me, and that by cultivating a beloved community mindset, I can help to break the cycle of injustice and create a better future for myself and those around me.”