Submissions for the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest and Black History Month Art Contest opened this week. The contests are held in partnership with Richardson ISD, Plano ISD and UT Dallas and help highlight community diversity and inclusion.   

Each contest is open to students who reside in Richardson or attend school in Richardson—eligible grade levels vary by contest. The deadline for essay contest entries is Jan. 31 and the deadline for art contest entries is Feb. 29. Rules and applications for each may be found online.   

Winners in each age category will receive $200 and will be recognized at a future City Council meeting.  

Website: www.cor.net/ArtandEssayContest