ATHENS — The Athens-Limestone chapter of the NAACP is accepting entries in its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest.

The theme for 2013 is “A Decision Today, Impacting Tomorrow?”. Essay writers should consider what decisions they and their churches, cities, schools and leaders make that would make America stronger.

Participants must be 6 to 18 and attending a school in Athens or Limestone County. Essays should be one page or less, typed or handwritten. Include the student’s name, age and phone number on the essay.

The deadline to enter is Jan. 8. Mail completed essays to the Limestone NAACP office at P.O. Box 1071, Athens, AL 35612 or give them to the Athens mayor’s secretary, Vicki Dowd, at Athens Utilities.

Three categories will be judged: ages 6-12, 13-15 and 16-18. Essays will be judged on clarity, grammar and how well the theme is developed.

The winners in each category will read their essay during an MLK program on Jan. 21. First-, second- and third-place winners in each category will receive a savings bond.

The Athens-Limestone Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Planning Committee will hold a meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 12 at the NAACP office at 17308 U.S. 72. The public is welcome to attend.