FOR RELEASE: January 7, 2010 - UPDATE

 

 

MLK DAY -- CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM AT TROY ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL

Event Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Keynote Speaker Roop Raj, FOX2 Reporter and Anchor

 

 

(TROY, MI) – Honor the legacy of one of America’s greatest leaders at the 2010 “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 18 from 8:30-10:30 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 Rev. Michael Nabors, from the New Calvary Baptist Church in Detroit.  He will also lead our symbolic Unity Walk around Athens High School. This will be followed by our Keynote Speaker Roop Raj, FOX2 Reporter and Anchor, and Troy High School Graduate.

 

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.” 

 

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 Can We Learn from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s Peaceful Approach to Social Issues and Challenges. There will also be a breakfast immediately following the program prepared by the Troy School District Catering Company.

 

“We received hundreds of essays from students about how they are taking action to make the City of Troy a better place,” said Stewart. “From recycling and volunteer efforts to drug and violence prevention, 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, Troy Interfaith Group, Big Beaver United Methodist Church, Community Bowling Centers – Troy Lanes & Bowl One, Lutheran Church of the Master and Beaumont Hospital.

 

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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