City of DeSoto and DeSoto ISD Celebrate Student Creativity in Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Art, Essay, and Poetry Contest
The City of DeSoto, in partnership with DeSoto Independent School District, is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of local students in the Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Art, Essay, and Poetry Contest. The City thanks the community for its continued support of student engagement and creativity, and is pleased to share an update on this year’s winners and finalists.
The celebration will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the DeSoto High School Auditorium. The evening will feature the MLK Award Ceremony from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM, followed by student recitations and performances beginning at 7:00 PM, highlighting creativity, leadership, and community spirit.
Admission is free, and family and friends are encouraged to attend. Attendees are asked to bring one canned good to support local families in need. Registration is available at: Event Registration.
Congratulations to DeSoto ISD Scholars Advancing in the Contest:
3rd – 5th Grade Essay
- Syndey Johnson (Finalist), Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy
3rd – 5th Grade Art
- Kaiden Gray, Raya Foppe, Kassidy Dotson, Nydia Nash (Finalist) – Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy
3rd – 5th Grade Poem
- Samuel Amusan Jr., Sydney Gipson, Andrew Gipson – Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy
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6th – 8th Grade Essay
- Kenzley Hicks, Christopher Prieston – McCowan Middle School
- Maddox Meekins – Katherine Johnson
6th – 8th Grade Poem
- Brooklyn Miles, Jaliyah Jones – McCowan Middle School
- Dennis Portillo – Katherine Johnson
6th – 8th Grade Art
- Ethan Howell - Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy
- Dayna Diaz, Dylan Cruz – McCowan Middle School
9th – 12th Grade Essay
- Cameron Kelly, Traelen Mays – DeSoto High School
9th – 12th Grade Art
- Megan Campuzano – DeSoto High School
9th – 12th Grade Poem
- Audrey Horton – DeSoto High School
“The Mayor’s MLK Contest is a meaningful way to celebrate the creativity, leadership, and civic-mindedness of our students,” said [Mayor’s Name], Mayor of DeSoto. “We are proud to honor these young scholars for their accomplishments and for sharing their talents with the community.”
This annual contest provides students with a platform to express themselves through art, essays, and poetry while reflecting on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It fosters critical thinking, creativity, and leadership—qualities that contribute to a thriving, engaged community.
The City of DeSoto and DeSoto ISD look forward to celebrating these achievements and invite the public to attend a night of inspiration, creativity, and community pride.