Several Federal Way students won cash prizes for their Martin Luther King, Jr. Day essays. This year’s theme was “I have a dream for Federal Way.” The students were split into age groups and awarded, first, second, third and honorable mention awards. First- through third-place winners were given $75, $50 and $25 cash prizes.

• From the 3rd to 5th grade category: Matthew Arnold (Star Lake Elementary), 1st place; Aaron Agwon-Africa (Star Lake Elementary), tie for 2nd place; Jamie Grall (Star Lake Elementary), tie for 2nd place; Ladon Kastanis (Star Lake Elementary), 3rd place; Cuba Jimenez (St. Vincent de Paul), honorable mention.

• From the 6th to 8th grade category: Jevaughn Palmer (Lakota Middle School), 1st place; Kiana Peterson (Lakota Middle School), 2nd place; Jason Palmer (Lakota Middle School), 3rd place.

• From the 9th to 12th grade category: Savanna Paschke (Federal Way High School), 1st place; Jevoy Palmer (Federal Way High School), tie for 2nd place; Corsica Parker (Federal Way High School), tie 2nd place; Chantel Dixon (Federal Way High School), 3rd place; May Young (Federal Way High School), honorable mention.

MLK food drive

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Caring food drive Jan. 15 brought in 1,800 pounds of food and $290. Of this, 1,400 pounds of food and $200 went to the Multi-Service Center. Four hundred pounds of food and $90 went to the Federal Way Senior Center’s food pantry.

The Federal Way Diversity Commission and AmeriCorps helped organize and carry out the food drive.