Celebrating MLK: Inspire Through Education
“Inspire Through Education” was the theme for the 27th annual commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., today at Grace College and Seminary. Over 400 educators, future educators, retired educators and members of the public from all walks of life attended the celebration.
Helping to celebrate the event was Marsha Cook, retired educator, who was the first black teacher for Warsaw Schools. She taught 44 years at Leesburg Elementary before retiring in 2011.
Considered a local civil rights pioneer, Cook shared about her childhood, how it prepared her for her future, her experience getting the teaching position at Warsaw Schools, hurdles, importance of family, and how today’s educators can inspire tolerance and equality.
She shared growing up during segregation, her feelings and the teachings of her mother, who was also an educator. A few stories were shared of her experience growing up, as well as stories of hurdles she encountered as a teacher in Warsaw Schools.
Perhaps the most important thing she left with the audience was the question: “Warsaw, will you try to make a difference?” to promote equality and fight injustice.
During the presentation by Cook, students in grades kindergarten through third grade were taken by Grace College Students to an activity room, where each learned about diversity. Using Skittles, the young students were taught how people may be different on the outside, but inside each were the same.
They also worked on an activity of making a diversity wreath with their own hand shapes and given a short verse from “My Own Two Hands” that stated “I can change the world with my own two hands, make a better place with my own two hands, make a kinder place with my own two hands.”
Pastor John B. Lowe III recognized the educator’s in attendance along with those who founded the Committee To Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Inc., Joe Banks, one of the original founders was present. Banks along with Lynn Pulliam Jr., and Chad Burkhart, both deceased, spearheaded the event. Current board members and sponsors were also recognized.
Three high school students were presented the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Academic Excellence and Community Service Award. Dr. David Hoffert, superintendent of Warsaw Schools, stated the three scholarship recipients are senior role models within the schools and are known by their teachers and fellow students as role models committed to service. “They are living examples that Dr. King’s dream is alive and flourishing within our community.”
Those recipients were: Sherry Wong, daughter of Shing and Wen Wong, Warsaw, a senior at Warsaw Community High School; Kathy Gutierrez-Eberly, daughter of Luther and Rosa Eberly, Silver Lake, a senior at Whitko High School; and Tennie Marie Worrell, daughter of Curtis and Brenda Worrell, Warsaw, a senior at Warsaw Community High School.
All three recipients presented a few short comments on how the legacy of Dr. King impacted their lives.