The 2026 Tomorrow’s Leaders Awards competition, presented by VyStar Credit Union in partnership with the City of Jacksonville, is now open for submissions. The program invites elementary, middle, and high school students to participate by submitting essays, visual art, or poetry inspired by the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Kemal Gasper, Vice President Community Engagement at VyStar Credit Union, said: “At VyStar, we believe that leadership rooted in courage and compassion is the foundation for lasting change. The Tomorrow’s Leaders competition is more than a celebration, it’s a call to action for our youth to lead boldly, serve with empathy, and uplift their communities. We’re honored to partner with the City of Jacksonville to spotlight these remarkable students who embody Dr. King’s legacy and inspire us all to do good.”
The competition expanded last year to include visual art and poetry alongside traditional essay submissions. This expansion led to a significant increase in participation among students across Jacksonville schools.
This year’s theme centers on two quotes from Dr. King: “Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles,” and “I have decided to stick with love.” Students are encouraged to reflect on these ideas under the theme “When Courage Leads, Love Follows,” emphasizing leadership that combines determination and compassion.
Detailed guidelines for participation are available at https://events.jacksonville.gov/special-events/martin-luther-king-jr-breakfast.
VyStar Credit Union serves over 1 million members through 78 branches in Florida and Georgia and employs more than 2,300 people in those regions. It offers financial services including mortgage lending and access to surcharge-free ATMs worldwide through its network.
The City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment supports local events that contribute economic value and cultural engagement within Northeast Florida. More information about upcoming events can be found at https://events.coj.net.
