Mentoring the Dream: Leading with Light and Love — Students Shine as Beacons of Hope

In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, two young voices are proving that light, love, and leadership are still alive and thriving in the hearts of today’s youth. Morgan Jones and Dayton Larkins, both West High School students and two of the five winners, beginning with 63 contestants of this year’s North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony(NCCU) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Contest, embody the spirit of Dr. King’s dream through their powerful reflections on compassion, perseverance, and community.

In December, students and adults were invited to submit written oratories on the topic of “Mentoring the Dream: Leading with Light and Love." The five finalists chosen as winners of the NCCU Oratory Contest presented their speeches as part of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration sponsored by St. Louis Community College - Florissant Valley at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, in person. First-place prizes were valued at $100, and finalist certificates were awarded in the senior, adult, and youth categories.  

For Morgan Jones, an 11th grader, the contest was more than just a competition — it was a calling to speak positivity into a world that too often focuses on the negative.

“When you look around, there’s just so much stuff going on in the world,” Morgan said. “There’s so much civil unrest, and it’s crazy. You could turn a corner, and everything could just go boom. So, when I saw the contest, I thought, 'This is something positive.' This is a breath of fresh air.”

Morgan’s speech explored how one person can make a difference. She emphasized that change begins small — a ripple that becomes a wave. “It starts with one person,” she said passionately. “One person turns to two, two turns to ten, and ten turns to a hundred. It keeps going and going.”

Her message wasn’t just about grand gestures but about simple acts of kindness — saying good morning, offering a smile, or picking up trash that isn’t yours. “It doesn’t take much to make a difference,” she shared. “If we could all just keep an open mind and an open heart, that would really make a big change.”

Through her words, Morgan reminded everyone that mentoring the dream isn’t only about teaching — it’s about living the lessons of empathy and love that Dr. King preached.

For Dayton Larkins, entering the contest began on a whim — but it became something much more meaningful.

“It was very shocking to get the phone call saying that I was a winner,” Dayton said with a smile. “I honestly didn’t even realize it was for a scholarship until right before giving my speech! But I wanted to enter to show my creativity and finally express myself.”

Dayton’s interpretation of “Mentoring the Dream: Leading with Light and Love” emphasizes the importance of leading through quiet strength and integrity. “It means leading without people watching you,” he explained. “Just doing your own thing for the greater good — teaching others without being told to.”

He believes mentorship starts with being a role model, even in small ways. “I just try to be myself and set a good example,” he said. “If people see me doing something positive and think, ‘Hey, I could do that too,’ then I’ve done my job.”

Though Dayton admits it’s not always easy to be a positive influence — especially in uncertain times — his perspective radiates the resilience and hope that define true leadership. “There are times when it’s hard to set an example,” he said, “but despite that, I still persevere the best I can.”

Both students reflect the essence of Dr. King’s timeless message: that love and leadership begin within. Their stories remind us that even amid chaos, young people continue to rise — thoughtful, compassionate, and eager to build a better world.

Through their words and actions, Morgan and Dayton show that mentoring the dream isn’t limited to a podium or a speech. It’s in how we treat others, how we lift each other, and how we choose light when darkness tempts us to do otherwise.

Their messages — simple yet profound — serve as a call to action for us all:
Be kind. Be brave. Lead with love.

Because, as Morgan and Dayton so beautifully demonstrate, it really does start with just one person.