Milford 6th grader stands for what matters

Seipelt student Carina Cullen won the 6th Grade division of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Art, Writing & Multimedia Contest

By Chuck Gibson

MILFORD, OH – Carina Cullen embraced the 2020 contest theme of “Standing for What Matters” with her winning artwork.

Seipelt School 6th Grader Carina Cullen stands with her winning artwork (Provided)

Each year, the Ohio Civil Rights Commission hosts an art, writing, and multimedia contest to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Students across Ohio were tasked with demonstrating ways they can stand up for equality. Out of the hundreds of submissions in the art category, Carina’s artwork won! She is a sixth grader at Seipelt. Corina and her family attended a ceremony at COSI to accept an award from the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Congratulations to Carina! The community and Milford Schools are proud of her work toward creating an environment that promotes equality for all.

The Ohio Civil Rights Commission posted the following upon announcing the winners of their 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art, Essay, and Multimedia Contest:

On March 8, 1965, the day after “Bloody Sunday,” on which civil rights protestors were attacked and beaten by police on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Dr. King said:

“A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.”

His words remind us that our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter and doing what is right may not be the easiest choice, but if justice is to prevail, difficult choices must be taken. Dr. King was a leader because he spoke out when others were resigned to silence.

Students were asked to think about times in their lives when they spoke out against an injustice. What impact did it leave on them and your community?

Click here for more about the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Click here for more on Milford Schools

Image of Carina Cullen’s winning artwork entry (Provided)