(President's Essay Contest winners pictured along with Tuskegee University President Dr. Brian L. Johnson)

TUSKEGEE, Ala - Tuskegee University hosted its annual President's Essay Contest which challenged the students to look at how the legacy of Booker T. Washington has an impact on the institution's present and future. The theme for the essay contest was "Legacy and Leadership: The Influence of Booker T. Washington in the Tradition and Trajectory of Tuskegee University," the event was held on Sunday, April 12, 2015 in Tuskegee University's Chapel.

First place winner Imani R. Williams, a sophomore majoring in animal science from Fayetteville, Ga called Washington "the epitome of influence." She said Tuskegee is deeply rooted in its history and should use that history to drive toward the future. She also said Washington saw the bigger vision for Tuskegee before the first brick was laid and that his foresight is an example to follow.

"Like Washington, no one can determine the length of his or her life, but you can choose how far and how deep your influence travels," Williams said. "Booker T. Washington is the root of Tuskegee University and as his influence seep into the young minds of tomorrow, his influence will live on as well as his legacy."

Second place winner Royan G. Reddie, whose a senior majoring in biology from Kingston, Jamaica. The third place recipient was Dominic Norton, whose a sophomore majoring in architecture from Mitcham, Surrey, United Kingdom. The first place winners are given a $1,000 scholarship, $600 for second place and $400 for third place. Other contest participants were: Reginald M. Hunter, a senior majoring in sales and marketing from Tuskegee, Ala., and Atiba T. Phillip, a junior majoring in finance from Brooklyn, N.Y.

The 2014-2015 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Team, the royal court, new student leaders, and recipients of several private and university scholarships were also honored during the program.

"Congratulations to all of the students who have earned scholarships, who will continue to go on and excel and represent Tuskegee University," said Dr. Brian L. Johnson (Tuskegee University President).

Tuskegee University was named the D.J's Music Site HBCU Campaign Fund's April 2015 HBCU of the Month Supported Institution. President and Founder of the organization also released a statement congratulating the students of Tuskegee.

"It's my pleasure to stand with president Dr. Brian L. Johnson and congratulate all of the students who have earned scholarships, as well as was honored as a student leader during Tuskegee University's Essay Scholarship program. We at the HBCU Campaign Fund organization commend you on a job well done of the excellence you continue to show as an HBCU student. Continue to make the HBCU community proud in the future as you succeed excellence beyond Tuskegee while representing Tuskegee and HBCUs," said Demetrius Johnson, Jr. (President and Founder of D.J's Music Site HBCU Campaign Fund).