39th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast presented by Florida Blue

Tomorrow's Leaders presented by VyStar Credit Union

The 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast commemorates the 97th anniversary of Dr. King's birth by honoring his life-long commitment and achievements toward his dream for social change.

Tomorrow’s Leaders presented by VyStar Credit Union is a component of the Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast that looks to recognize and award youth in our community who are exemplifying the philosophies of Dr. King through leadership, community volunteerism and civic responsibility.
 

2026 Tomorrow's Leaders Contest:

This year, each grade level will have a different medium to express their ideas. 
• Elementary School: 4th & 5th Graders will write the traditional essay
• Middle School: 6th – 8th Graders will create a work of visual art.
• High School: 9th – 12th Grader will write and recite poetry.

Elementary School: Essay – 200 words 

Martin Luther King Jr. once said that being brave means moving forward even when things are hard. He also said, “I have decided to stick with love.” This year, we want everyone to remember both of these important ideas with our theme:  

“When Courage Leads, Love Follows.” 

Essay Prompt: 

Explain what this quote means, why it is important, and how it relates to your life or life in general, (in 200 words or less).  

Middle School: Visual Art Topic 

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles.” He also declared, “I have decided to stick with love.” This year, we honor both convictions with a theme that challenges us to act:  

When Courage Leads, Love Follows 

Visual Art Prompt: 

What impact does Dr. Martin Luther’s King Jr.’s declaration have for you or in your community? Create an art piece that illustrates how Dr. Martin Luther’s King Jr.’s statement means to you or in your community. Include a statement (150 words) about your art piece and the impact it represents. Artwork must be an original, two-dimensional piece created by the submitting student. Allowable media include drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, or digital art. 

High School: Poetry 

“When Courage Leads, Love Follows “ 

MLK Jr. once said, “Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles.” He also declared, “I have decided to stick with love.” These words are a powerful reminder that bold leadership demands more than strength; it requires the courage to press forward, the conscience to do what is right, and the heart to lead with love at the center. 

Write a poem that explores how courage and love work together to guide people, communities, or even entire movements through adversity. 

Your poem may: 

• Describe a person who leads with bravery and compassion. 

• Show how love transforms fear into action. 

• Use imagery and symbolism to connect courage and love  

• Be told from your perspective, someone else’s, or even in the voice of courage or love themselves.  

CLICK HERE FOR THE NOMINATION FORM AND RUBRIC