The 2016 Essay Contest winners were recognized this past Sunday at the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum. Students, along with their families and teachers, heard from Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Chairman Mike Turpen and survivors Melissa McLawhorn Houston and Derek Smithee.

Turpen, Houston and Smithee all stressed the importance of using your voice in a peaceful manner to speak out against injustices, rather than resorting to violence to effect change. Terri Talley, survivor, and representative of Allegiance Credit Union, spoke on why their organization sponsors the contest each year, and discussed how their institution remained strong and resilient after losing over half of their staff in the bombing.

After the ceremony, attendees were invited to tour the Museum, which includes more in-depth information on how people can effect change by using their voice in peaceful ways.