Franklin County Visitors Bureau is launching the annual “It Is Always The Right Time To Do The Right Thing Essay Contest.” The contest is inspired by a quote from a speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr at Oberlin College on October 22, 1964. The quote was: “The time is always right to do what is right.” Doing the right thing shaped American history; and each year, Franklin County Visitors Bureau launches its annual essay contest to collect and highlight experiences that highlight the importance of doing the right thing.
Franklin County Visitors Bureau invites the public to share what his/her right thing is and the important impact of doing the right thing. The essay can be a personal story or a special influence of family, friends, ancestors, mentors, and heroes. The essay can offer a piece of history that fashioned personal feelings, thoughts, or ideas as long as it highlights that it is always the right time to do the right thing.
The essay contest has five categories: education, humanity, respect, liberty, and justice. Within each category, there are elementary, younger teen, older teen, and adult levels. Essays are accepted in both written and oral format. A $100 top prize will be awarded in each category based on main point, originality, insightfulness, and clarity. Download the entry form here. Essays are due by email, mail, or drop off to Franklin County Visitors Bureau by February 12. Winners will be announced at the Franklin County Tourism Brunch on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
The 2024 Essay Contest had 21 winners; each winning essay was included in the 2024 Essay Contest Booklet. The public can read the essays online here or request a printed copy of the book by contacting 717.552.2977 or 866.646.8060.
A 2025 Essay Contest Booklet will be produced in print format and online format.