Three students were recognized for their creative submissions in the 2025 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Human Rights contest, an annual event sponsored by the Golden Valley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission (DEIC). The contest invited grades Pre-K–12 students from Golden Valley, Golden Valley schools, and Robbinsdale and Hopkins District schools to submit original works inspired by one of four MLK quotes provided by the DEIC.
Elijah Goens, a kindergartner at Meadowbrook Elementary, created an original artwork inspired by the quote “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Elijah drew the piece after reading a book about Dr King.
Maggie Briese, a seventh grader at Breck School, submitted a poem titled “The Measure of a Person.” Her poem celebrates resilience and integrity during adversity, echoing the same quote that inspired Elijah.
Ygritte Neu-Ryan, a second grader at Meadowbrook Elementary, submitted an artwork of Dr King reflecting the quote “the time is always right to do what is right.”
The winners received cash prizes and were recognized at Sweet Potato Comfort Pie's 10th annual MLK celebration. For more information about the MLK Human Rights Contest, visit the City website.
Elijah Goens
Ygritte Neu-Ryan
The Measure of a Person
by Maggie Briese
In moments of comfort we may appear daring,
But it's in times of challenge when we realize the weight that we’re bearing.
When faced with controversy, when pushed too far,
That's when we see who we truly are.
It’s easy to be kind, to be patient, and calm,
When everything's going right, when there's no cause for alarm,
But when the going gets tough, and the road seems rough,
That's when our true colors, our true strength, are enough.
So let us not judge a person by their wins or their gains,
But how they handle the losses, the struggles, the pains.
For it's in those moments of challenge and controversy,
That we see the true measure of a person's integrity.