The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park and Preservation District and International World Peace Rose Gardens selected North Springs High School Freshman Academy student Zoe Allen as the winner in its Inspirational Messages of Peace contest.
Allen’s poem, “The Flower of Love,” was chosen from more than 4,100 student entries nationwide, according to a news release from the school. It will be permanently displayed on a plaque in Atlanta’s Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park Rose Gardens.
“I wanted to write something that reflects love and kindness in the world. It’s amazing to know that my words will be part of such an important place,” Allen said.
North Springs High School was one of two Fulton County schools invited to participate in the 2025 competition, the release said, because of the student body’s strong commitment to community service, particularly their active volunteer participation in the City Springs Martin Luther King Celebration each year.
The contest was an immersive learning experience for North Springs freshman social studies students, who studied the vision and legacy of King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, as well as the mission of the International World Peace Rose Garden. Inspired by their learning, each student wrote an original poem exploring themes of peace, love, and unity, the release said.
Under the guidance of ninth grade English teacher Caroline Beltrami, the school narrowed down seven finalists, who then submitted their entries to the competition. The North Springs finalists included: Allen, Destiny Alexander, Layla Baker, Theo Ballou, Priscilla Murguia, Mary Okugbeni, and Emery Overton.
On May 15, Allen will take the stage at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where she will read her poem aloud before unveiling the plaque in the historic rose garden.
“This is an incredible achievement, not just for Zoe, but for our entire school community,” said Kelly Olson, Allen’s AP Human Geography teacher, who led the initiative for North Springs ninth grade academy students to participate in the contest. “This project gave our students a meaningful way to reflect on peace and justice, and Zoe’s words will now inspire visitors for years to come.”
The Flower of Love
I am the World Peace Rose Garden.
I am the growing need for justice.
I blossom each year with developing freedom.
Let peace spread like petals from the pistil.
I am the flower of love.
The love we give.
