MLK DAY – Celebration of Freedom at Troy Athens High School
Event Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Keynote Speaker Ray Johnson
(TROY,
MI)
– Honor the legacy of one of America’s greatest leaders at the 2012 “MLK – A Celebration of Freedom,” a
tribute to the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The program will take place at Athens High
School on Monday, January 16 at 8:30 am.
There is no charge to attend, but donations will be accepted to help
organize next year’s program. All ages
are welcome.
“We look forward
to capturing the spirit of Dr. King and remembering his life through this
celebration,” said Cindy Stewart, Community Affairs Director for the City of
Troy. “This family event is a meaningful
way to pause and reflect on his uncompromising dedication to garnering civil
rights for all people.”
The Celebration kicks
off with a welcome by Padma Kuppa, Outreach Chair from Bharatiya
Temple and one of the Founding Members of the Troy Interfaith Group. She will also lead our symbolic Unity Walk
with Troy School District students around Athens High School. This will be
followed by our Keynote Speaker Ray C. Johnson, one of the country’s top
educational consultants. Mr. Johnson
founded and assisted in the development of schools across the country. He has
been a pioneer in the realm of character education, accelerated learning,
multicultural and African-Centered curriculum through his groundbreaking,
site-based management. He has elevated parental and community involvement to
record-breaking levels.
Due to his unique
ability to engage the reluctant learner and raise student achievement, he has
earned the distinction of being one of the country’s top educational
consultants. Armed with the mission of providing world-class education for all
children, he has worked with countless school districts, universities, and
government agencies reaching to develop and empower thousands through his many
seminars in curriculum development, organizational psychology, and student
motivation. In an effort to bolster self-esteem and foster values, Johnson
formed two organizations: Man-to-Man and S.E.L.F. (Sisters Empowered
through Love and Friendship) mentoring programs targeting boys and girls ages
four through 21.
There will be a music performances by the Troy Honors Choir made up of 5th through 8th graders representing the Troy elementary and middle schools. The theme of the Troy Honors Choir performance is “A Celebration of Diversity.” A dance performance will be presented by The Troy African American Parent Network (TAAPN)
In addition, there will be a Troy School District student art exhibit and recognition of middle and high school winners of the MLK Essay Contest. This year’s essay theme is “What Influence has the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Had on You? There will also be a continental breakfast immediately following the program prepared by Sodexo Food Service.
“We received hundreds of essays from students about how Dr. King’s legacy has affected them and how they are taking action to make the City of Troy a better place,” said Stewart. “From accepting others within our diverse community to exploring other’s unique viewpoints, the efforts demonstrated in the essays were amazing. It’s truly inspiring to see that Dr. King’s words and actions are still living on in our youth.”
Organized by the
City of Troy and the Troy School District, this year’s event is sponsored by:
Alliance Mobile Health, Troy Community Coalition, Troy Foundation for
Educational Excellence, Walsh College, Sodexo Food
Service, Troy Interfaith Group, Community Bowling Centers – Troy Lanes &
Bowl One, WOW! Internet*Cable*Phone.
Athens High School
is located at 4333 John R. For more
information about the program call the Community Affairs Office at
248.524.1147.
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