GREENWICH — Among the 15 winners selected in U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy’s fifth annual “Martin Luther King Jr. Day Essay Contest” was Greenwich High School sophomore Yurika Sakai.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Murphy (D-Conn.) announced the 15 winners selected from nearly 2,800 entries sent in from elementary, middle and high school students from across Connecticut, reflecting on King’s dream and their own aspirations.

“The events of the past year have laid bare the mass inequities in our country and, as we reflect on Dr. King’s dream for justice and equality in America, it is clear we still have a way to go,” Murphy said in a statement. “The essays submitted by students across Connecticut continue to give me hope. I’m certain that if these students continue to stay engaged in their community and reject the sins of our past, we’ll realize Dr. King’s dream sooner rather than later.”

Greenwich High School Principal Ralph Mayo said, “We are so proud of Yurika’s profound and inspiring message.

“Her insightful words urging empathy, compassion and understanding, earned her this impressive statewide recognition,” Mayo said.

“While writing this essay,” Yurika Sakai said, “I enjoyed reflecting on why we value the commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his ambitions for America. I’m so thankful that I have been selected to share my own aspirations of fostering conversation and compassion within our community.”