MLK Event Showcases Student Ideals
Students recognized by the city of Cleveland Heights at their 18th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration of his Life and Legacy. Cleveland Heights Mayor Cheryl Stephens and Council Members, Vice Mayor Jason Stein and council members Carol Roe and Melissa Yasinow presented awards to the students. Photo: Courtesy of the City of Cleveland Heights.
Jan. 21, 2016 -- The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. lives in the words and actions of CH-UH students. Twenty nine students were recognized on January 13 at the City of Cleveland Heights 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The event was held in the Cleveland Heights Community Center.
The contest asks Cleveland Heights students to write a poem or essay or create a poster that addresses this question: If Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were still with us, what advice would he have for you and how would you follow it?
The students recognized for their work were in grades 3-12. Cleveland Heights Mayor Cheryl Stephens and Council Members, Vice Mayor Jason Stein and council members Carol Roe and Melissa Yasinow.
The students who won awards are:
Elementary and Middle School Essay Winners:
Christopher Crumedy, Oxford Elementary School, Grade 3
Chyna Chambers, Oxford Elementary School, Grade 4
Lakyla Collins, Monticello Middle School, Grade 6
Skylar Wilson, Monticello Middle School, Grade 7
Christoffer Wilson, Monticello Middle School, Grade 7
Zelda Thayer-Hansen, Monticello Middle School, Grade 7
Paris Walton, Monticello Middle School, Grade 8
High School Essay Winners:
Brianna K. Myers, Cleveland Heights High School, Grade 12
Shana Brock, Cleveland Heights High School, Grade 12
De’Andre Dabney, Cleveland Heights High School, Grade 12
Aaliyah Ameen, Cleveland Heights High School, Grade 12
Poster Winners:
Helen Gann, Canterbury Elementary School, Grade 4
Aliyah James, Oxford Elementary School, Grade 4
Riciah Rainey, Monticello Middle School, Grade 6
Danny Ware, Monticello Middle School, Grade 7
Shyra Creer, Monticello Middle School, School, Grade 8
Emma Quill, Heights High School, Grade 9
Andrew Schellenberg, Heights High School, Grade 12
Winning posters will be hung in the City Hall Atrium, upper level through the month of February 2016.
Poetry Winners:
Mya O’Bryant, Oxford Elementary School, Grade 4
Jordyn Brand, Oxford Elementary School, Grade 4
Cahlil Gillespie, Monticello Middle School, Grade 6
Adele Dooner, Monticello Middle School, Grade 7
Patrick Dooner, Monticello Middle School, Grade 7
Meridith Vandall, Monticello Middle School, Grade 7
Gerriah Shazor, Monticello Middle School, Grade 7
Olivia McKay, Monticello Middle School, Grade 8
Larrielle Lockwood, Monticello Middle School, Grade 8
Aaliyah Bush, Monticello Middle School, Grade 8
Yasmine Robinson, Monticello Middle School, Grade 8
Senior Shana Brock was recognized for her essay:
The words of a Wise Man
Doctor o Doctor I’ve heard what you said
Doctor o Doctor I love how you’ve lead
lead me to believe that love is the key
the key to finally being free
free from the hate and discrimination
free to live in this diverse nation
I will take this advice and live it everyday
I will take this advice and spread it every single way
I will shout it to people who come and go
I will educate the people who don’t seem to know
I will write books and poems so people will know it
and if they care at all they’ll stand up and show it
You’ve taught me more than just to love
You’ve taught me to stand up and rise above
speak out against what I feel is wrong
don’t just conform or play along
stand up straight proud and tall
an never let people make you feel small
Doctor o Doctor I wish the world was like you
Doctor o Doctor o what can I do
how can I make the world a better place
how can I protect the entire human race
a race where it seems hate has become a thing
if love will fix that, then love I will bring
I will spread love to people no matter who they are
and I know some might say, I won’t get very far
but I won’t stop until I have won
I won’t stop until my job is done
my job is to do what I feel is right
to use words not violence to end this fight
Some people will claim our world is just fine
and that’s where I draw the boundary line
our world is not fine,it’s slowly falling apart
Dr.King believes that to fix that all we need is heart
heart beats violence always and forever
believe in yourself and never say never
The event’s program included this information about the event:
This inspiring event was established 18 years ago to celebrate the life and the impact of Dr. King.
The fact that he spoke at Fairmount Presbyterian Church has strengthened our City’s relationship with him and his memory...
The City has always showcased our young people at this event and many of our winners over the years have highlighted this event on their college applications.
We acknowledge that none of this would be possible without the support of the teachers and principals
throughout the community who understand the importance of Dr. King’s legacy, Also, the parents, grandparents and families who support these students. Most of all, we thank the students themselves
for their good work in essay, poetry and art. Every student who submitted an entry understood
Dr. King’s commitment that to do something for others makes life worthwhile.