We Can Be Game Changer, 2023

Artists: Mila Barrientos, Emory Beal, Jenson Beal, Chelsea Bowley, Millie Knoebel, Kennedy Walker, Nevaeh Washingto

Genre: Mixed Media
Wells Elementary
Multiple grade levels

Powerful Character, 2023

Artist: Savannah Tanaka

Genre: Sculpture
Centennial Elementary
2nd Grade

Savannah’s piece is a “mobile”, a moving sculpture that can show multiple images from different angles. Her theme refers to artist Satoshi Tajiri and his creation of Pokemon characters and the message that everyone and even small things can do amazing things!

We Can Be Game Changer, 2023

Artists: Mila Barrientos, Emory Beal, Jenson Beal, Chelsea Bowley, Millie Knoebel, Kennedy Walker, Nevaeh Washingto

Genre: Mixed Media
Wells Elementary
Multiple grade levels

In this collaborative piece, our young artists at Wells met after school to create a mixed media artwork. The use of mixed media makes note of diversity of materials coming together and working as a whole. Our artists also referenced the past with images of game changers and included the present with images of their own hands interacting with the work.

The Beauty of Life, 2023

Artists: Claire Johnson, Maia Liu, Avie Overman

Genre: Acrylic Paint
8th grade

These are four separate paintings displayed together as one contiguous artwork.  In the artworld this is called a “quadriptych.”  The story shown through these images is a powerful statement of culture, community and change.  The story behind their creation is just as compelling.  Our three artists took turns painting bits and pieces on each canvas as they moved the pieces from house to house over Thanksgiving Break.

We Can Be Game Changer, 2023

Artists: IB Class

Genre: Mixed Media
Plano East Senior High

In this collaborative piece, the students are creating a portrait composed of many smaller portraits of different people important to our high school artists.  MLK is seen as the major Game Changer in this work, but if you look closely, the smaller portraits are of other game changers and even the students themselves as they see themselves impacted by MLK and being the game changers for tomorrow.

One way I can be like MLK is helping people.

Ella Pan - 2024 MLK writing finalist from Plano ISD

Make a Big Difference

When I think of a game changer, it is about making a big difference. On my soccer team, I am doing what I can to help my team score a goal. We practice focus, and work hard together doing our part. When I am in class, I ask everyone to be quiet and listen to the teacher, so we all can learn more. With my robotics team, I brainstorm and discuss with my team to come up creative and new idea for our Lego models and project. We build confidence to present our ideas to our team, judges, and inspire our community.

I hope my efforts now and as I grow will help makes me into a great engineer, so I can be someone that makes a big difference with real challenges that I know we will face in the future. I want to be a game changer to keep this world beautiful.

Hailey Yau - 2024 MLK writing finalist from Plano ISD

Game Changer

Martin Luther King, Jr. was a great example of a game changer because he fought peacefully for equality. He wanted everyone to love each other no matter their skin color. Thanks to his effort he changed everone's lives in a positive way. He inspired many people to continue fighting and standing up for what's right. 

I can be a game changer like him by being nonviolent and loving everyone regardless of the color of their skin. Additionally, I can be a bucket filler and give compliments and words of encouragement to people around me. In conclusion, I can be an upstonder and not a bystander to help my peers! 

Marco Martinez - 2024 MLK writing finalist from Plano ISD

My Dream to End Homelessness and Bring Hope

Just like Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, I too have a dream - a dream that when I grow up, I can make a big difference in the world by homelessness. It breaks my heart to think that there are people who don't have a place to call home, and I want to change that.

In my dream, I see a world where everyone has a warm and cozy place to sleep. Where no one has to worry about where thier next meal will come from. I image streets without people feeling lonely and cold. A world where kindness and happiness replays sadness.

I want to be a game-changer, someone who can make a difference for those who need it the most. I dream of crating safe places where people who are homeless can find comfort and support. These places will not just provide a roof over their heads but also warmth for their hearts.

In my dream, I also see myself working with other kind-hearted people who share the same dream as me. Together, we will organize events to raise awareness about homelessness and inspire others to join our cause. We will talk to leaders and ask for their help to create less expensive housing so that everyone can have a home they can afford.

Just like Martin Luther King Jr., I have a dream and with love and determination, I belive it can change the world.

Nabiha Anum - 2024 MLK writing finalist from Plano ISD

Game Changer Ideals

I'd like to be a game changer
A belief and wrong thinking rearranger.
I'd like to bring ideas fresh,
That stand through time above the rest.

I'd like to show God's love to all.
Help people up, when they fall.
Give them hope and help to see
Their value in how they look to me.

Color, size, hair and skin
Shouldn't mask what's within.
We're all beautiful, kind and smart,
Outward appearance just helps tell us apart.

There's more than enough love to go around,
More than enough joy to be found.
Let's be a generation that starts something new.
Show respect to me and I'll show it to you.

Karsten Mitchell - 2024 MLK writing finalist from Plano ISD

A Man Who Dreamed

I once knew a man, who had a dream
That wanted the world to be a team
That was his wish, just one big dish
If fulfilled, would make him beam

His dream was just simple,
One tiny request
But he then knew 
It was had to be blessed

He said he dreamed
That his eyes would agleam
If all could join hands
And become supreme

If all could be equal
If all weren't foes
If all they stopped causing 
Was such great woe

He said all would have peace
No war, no fear
But he soon didn't know
Aa fulfilled dream came near

His dream changed lives
It changed many's thoughts
Thank you, MLK
Because he truly fought

Not just for himself
But also others around
He fought for civil rights 
And peace is what we found

Because of his actions
We all have rights
He didn't think wrong
He saved many lives

And since that day
We've lived in peace
Thanks to MLK
His dream never ceased

Luna Diaz - 2024 MLK writing finalist from Plano ISD

2023 Plano ISD Student/Group nominees — 

2023 Plano ISD Staff nominees — 

2023 Plano ISD Community Individual/Group nominees —