In 1994, Dr. George Storms, community leader, Edna Spencer, Previous Director of Diversity & Affirmative Action, Gordon Hargrove, previous Friendly House Executive Director, and Dorothy Hargrove, previous School Committee Member sought to initiate this city’s youth event in celebration of the legacy and commitment of Dr. King Jr. to improving the lives of young people through education.
We will celebrate our 31st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast on Saturday, January 18th, 2025 at 9a.m. The snow date is Monday, February 17th, 2025. The event will be held at the Multipurpose Gym in the Wellness Center at Worcester State University.
The program includes performances, noted distinctions nand awards to our community and youth, university scholarships, and essay/poetry contest.
The MLK Jr. Youth Breakfast Poetry Contest is open to 7th – 12th graders.
Poems must be based on and address the theme.
Leading to Serve: Giving of Ourselves to Support Others This year’s theme is “Leading to Serve: Giving of Ourselves to Support Others.” Dr Martin Luther King Jr. King often stated that life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?” He believed that “everyone can be great because everyone can serve.” He emphasized that, “service to and for others is a fundamental way for anyone to contribute to positive change and achieve greatness, regardless of their social status or position.” By highlighting the importance of service, how can we improve the lives of the people of our community and how do you want to serve those around you?
To be considered for the poetry contest, please submit your entry in the Online Poetry Contest Form or send a completed Contest Entry Form (PDF) and your poem via email to dhargrove072@gmail.com and tnguyen89@worcester.edu
Online Poetry Contest Form
Contest Entry Form PDF
Community Service Award The Community Service Award is given to a youth, twenty years of age or younger, whom exemplifies the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through distinguished community service and academic achievement. The Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Community Service Award.
Please submit your nomination form via the Online Community Service Award Nomination Form or email a completed Community Service Award Nomination Form (PDF) to tnguyen89@worcester.edu
Online Community Service Award Nomination Form
Community Service Award Nomination Form PDF
Youth Service Award Each year the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast recognizes one individual who has demonstrated exceptional service to our cities’ youth with our “Youth Service Award.” This year, the Worcester State University Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Breakfast committee is seeking your assistance in identifying community leaders who has impacted our youth and who personifies Dr. King’s legacy of service, volunteerism and dedication, who might be considered for the 2025 Youth Service Award.
Please submit your nomination form via the Online Youth Service Award Nomination Form or email a completed Youth Service Award Nomination Form (PDF) to tnguyen89@worcester.edu
Online Youth Service Award Nomination Form
Youth Service Award Nomination Form PDF
31st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast (2025)
30th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast (2024)
29th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast (2023)
28th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast (2022)
