Nominations are being accepted for the Martin Luther King Jr. Citizenship Award. Entries also are being accepted for the essay, artwork and poetry contests for the King Award, which is presented by the Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission.

The citizenship award is given to an individual who embodies the spirit and energy of the late civil rights leader. The criteria for nominees include demonstration of leadership and achievement toward the principles of racial equality, interracial harmony, economic justice, participation in Martin Luther King Jr. holiday observances and dedication to King’s dream.

The King Award art contest is open to students in grades K-12, and the essay and poetry contests are open to grades 4-12.

The entry deadline for the student contests is Nov. 13; the deadline for citizenship award nominations is Dec. 3. Winners will be honored Jan. 14 in Frankfort during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Celebration. Click these links for information and entry forms for the essay, art and poetry contests and here for the citizenship award nomination form.