Started by the Monsanto Muscatine Plant nearly ten years ago, the community has honored the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his movement on World Peace, Civil Rights and Discrimination.  In support of this endeavor, the Muscatine Board of Education and Muscatine Equity Committee have worked to integrate this program in the school curriculum and sponsor and coordinate assemblies and activities for middle and high school students. The intent of the MLK Diversity & Scholarship Program is to broaden the range of students exposed to this program and to draw student focus to the impact of diversity.  Overall objective includes…:

·          building awareness among the schools, students and communities about the benefits of valuing diversity;

·          to identify the positive impact of diversity and focus attention on areas for development in student activities;

·          to support students in their efforts to develop positive solutions and to assist students in utilizing their creativity to express themselves. 

Academic entries can include reports, speeches, art, video and other types of presentations that illustrate an example of diversity.  The traditional live talent portion of the award ceremony will continue with high school seniors who are eligible to receive scholarships in this category.   Awards include trophies and certificates, scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 for senior high school students and cash prizes of $25 to $200 for middle school students.