The YMCAs of Monmouth County recognized the two winning students of its annual scholarship award at the 21st annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Breakfast Memorial on Jan. 18

Reem Alsalman and Jennifer Cecilione Jennifer Cecilione, of Tinton Falls, and Reem Alsalman, of Eatontown, were awarded $400 scholarships for their winning essays on keeping King’s message alive. Both girls are juniors at Monmouth Regional High School.

“When we read the several dozens of essays that came in from around the county, the two really stood out for their understanding of what we’re celebrating today,” said Gary Laermer, president of the Community YMCA in Middletown.

Both students wrote about the importance of refusing to accept intolerance in everyday life.

Cecilione spoke about the importance of leading by example. Simple things like showing respect by holding doors and not tolerating insensitive jokes can help rout prejudice in thought and actions, she said.

“Kindness breeds more kindness, the same way hatred breeds more hatred. If my acts of thoughtfulness impact the recipient in a way that encourages them to pass that along to someone else, that will create a positive chain reaction,” Cecilione read from her essay.

Alsalman said that as an Arab American, she has experienced discrimination since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. She has attempted to counter these acts by starting the Muslim Student Association at her high school and encouraging people to take pride in their heritage.

“It was an honor,” Alsalman said of the scholarship. “They liked my essay, which means my message was sent.”

Continuing the theme of taking action, the Rev. Dr. Henry Davis, the event’s guest speaker and the pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church, challenged patrons at the breakfast to make a positive impact on the world in the time available. He pointed out that King, who fought for civil equality for 13 years, was assassinated before he reached the age of 40. Though King died over 41 years ago, his message still survives, Rev. Davis said.

“I thank God today that he did live, and his life made a major difference in our nation. We’ll be talking about Martin King Jr. when I’m gone and many of you are gone, because as he journeyed through the land, he made a difference in the lives of the people in the United States of America,” the Rev. Davis said.

Also at the event, Peter Warshaw, assistant prosecutor at the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, awarded Tiara Anderson of Neptune High School the office’s annual Humanitarian Award.