Three Uni students will be honored Saturday for their entries in the Sixth Annual Middle and High School Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. Sophomore Rachel Harmon's contribution was named one of the 10 outstanding essays in the competition. Seniors Michelle Gao and Jamie Weiser were among seven students to earn honorable mention.

Uni students traditionally recognize the third Monday in January as the first day off from school after winter break. But it's more than that, of course. It's Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a holiday in honor of the slain civil rights leader. Each year the University of Illinois and other C-U organizations sponsor events celebrating King's legacy. Uni High's Sam Smith is part of the U of I organizing committee. Check inside to learn more about the events planned for this weekend and beyond.