The 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast commemorates the 96th anniversary of Dr. King's birth by honoring his life-long commitment and achievements toward his dream for social change.
Tomorrow’s Leaders presented by VyStar Credit Union is a component of the Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast that looks to recognize and award youth in our community who are exemplifying the philosophies of Dr. King through leadership, community volunteerism and civic responsibility.
2025 Tomorrow's Leaders Contest:
This year, each grade level will have a different medium to express their ideas.
• Elementary School: 4th & 5th Graders will write the traditional essay
• Middle School: 6th – 8th Graders will create a work of visual art.
• High School: 9th – 12th Grader will write and recite poetry.
Elementary School: Essay Topic
Martin Luther King Jr. supported human rights and freedoms for all people. He repeatedly stressed the importance of treating others with kindness and reminded us of the power we hold within ourselves to practice peaceful problem-solving and bring about positive change. In his speech, Where Do We Go From Here, Martin Luther King Jr said:
“We must walk on in the days ahead with an AUDACIOUS faith in the future.”
Explain what this quote means, why it is important, and how it relates to your life or life in general.
Middle School: Visual Art Topic
Martin Luther King Jr. was a supporter of human rights and freedoms for all people. He repeatedly stressed the importance of treating others with kindness and reminded us of the power we hold within ourselves to practice peaceful problem solving and bring about positive change. In his speech, Where Do We Go From Here, Martin Luther King Jr said:
"We must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future."
What impact does Dr. Martin Luther’s King Jr.’s call to action have on you or in your community? Create an art piece that illustrates how Dr. Martin Luther’s King Jr.’s call to action impacts you and/or your community. Include a statement (150 word max) about your art piece and the impact it represents.
High School: Poetry
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, “Where Do We Go From Here?”, emphasizes his call for love, non-violence, and social justice that remains incredibly relevant today. King’s vision for a society free from poverty, racism, and war is a powerful reminder of the work that still needs to be done. In this speech he said:
"We must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future."
How is Dr. Martin Luther’s King Jr.’s call to action still relevant today? Write a poem that illustrates a call to action that is important to you. In your poem, be sure to elaborate on how your vision impacts the future of our nation.
2025 Tomorrow's Leaders Contest Winners:
Elementary School 1st Place – Essay : Tyson Jones – Grade 5 - Biscayne Elementary Leadership Academy
Tyson Jones was born to lead. He currently serves on the Biscayne Elementary Leadership Academy Royal Court as Mr. Biscayne for the 2024-2025 school year. This role allows Tyson to be an ambassador for the school and community. He serves as a role model to his peers and has participated in various community events that showcase his willingness to give back. Tyson is a true leader.
- Elementary School 1st Runner Up – Essay: Millionaire Paige – Grade 5- Andrew A. Robinson Elementary
- Elementary School 2nd Runner Up – Essay: Skye Stuckey – Grade 5 - Biscayne Elementary Leadership Academy
Middle School 1st Place – Visual Arts: Diego Muñoz – Grade 7 - Westview K-8
Diego was selected to be a school mentor. He was selected for this role based on the quality of his work, his responsibility, his desire to help his classmates, and his abilities in Spanish and English. Westview K—8 has seen Diego grow and values him as a great human being and student who displays exceptional kindness and strong leadership to everyone. He takes pride in all activities and enjoys helping those around him.
- Middle School - 1st Runner Up - Visual Arts: Delilah Meza – Grade 7 - Landmark Middle School
- Middle School - 2nd Runner Up - Visual Arts: Amari Saint-Vil – Grade 8 - Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School
High School - 1st Place - Poetry: Kynlei Gibbs - 9th Grade - Riverside High School
Kynlei is a goal-oriented leader who is humble and willing to help others. She has twice won awards for speech and debate. She is motivated by the values and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She was awarded Valedictorian of her middle school and is currently in the Early College Program at Riverside High School. She volunteers as a youth cheer coach with her church's youth praise and worship dance team. She was asked to speak at UNF as a representative panelist of the Generation WOW club. She maintains an 'A' average and is a diligent student with ambitions to help mold a better future for her generation.
- High School - 1st Runner Up - Poetry: Juriyah Gilmore – Grade 9 – Riverside High School
- High School – 2nd Runner Up - Poetry: Zohli Harris – Grade 9 – Riverside High School