“As we come together today to commemorate the life and the legacy of Dr. King, I would like to offer this question for your consideration — Are we all living the dream?,” said Karen Townsend, president and CEO of KTownsend Consulting, which provides expertise in the areas of leadership development, 21st-century diversity and personal excellence.
Townsend spoke about the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag and King’s dream.
“Today is the day that we as a community reflect and remember a man who dared to dream for liberty and justice for all. The man who challenged the conscience of a nation and inspired generations to believe in the possibility of a better tomorrow for all. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood as a beacon of hope, calling us to confront the injustices of our time, and to work tirelessly to the ideals of freedom and fairness for all,” she said. “But, let’s be honest. and consider my earlier question, are we all living the dream?”
Although the pledge says liberty and justice for all, Townsend said as a nation, we didn’t always embrace all. She said while some people think it’s unnecessary or uncomfortable to reflect or remember the past, reflecting and remembering it is a part of the reason the group came together Friday.
“It’s because of your acknowledgement of Dr. King’s dream that we’re gathered here today to reflect, to remember, and hopefully to reconnect to creating a community, a state, a nation, a world where every individual is valued, for every voice is heard and for the opportunity to live the American dream is accessible to all,” she said. “My hope is that this day will be one where you can consider what you can do to make sure we have equity and liberty and justice for all.”
The annual Peacekeeper Awards were presented to 10 high school students “who celebrate diversity and inclusion through their actions, possess leadership qualities to positively resolve conflict and exhibit team-building skills.”
“Each day, these students, our future leaders, exemplify compassion by working to promote unity, equality and positive change within their communities,” said Khalil Scott, Clark State academic advisor and event committee member. “Their actions inspire us all and show that each of us has the power to make a difference.”
The high school senior honorees:
- Karissa Allen, Emmanuel Christian Academy, is the captain of the basketball team and member of the track team, band and theatre.
- Xavier Baird, Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center, is in the cosmetology program and plans to pursue becoming a barber.
- Kylie Corbitt, Southeastern High School, is ranked the top of her class, a member of Student Council, Sources of Strength, volleyball and FFA.
- Drew Fansler, Kenton Ridge High School, has a 4.0 GPA, participates in College Credit Plus, is a member of the National Honor Society and French Honor Society, and plans to study neuroscience at Ohio State or the University of Connecticut.
- Kylee Hampshire, Tecumseh High School, takes Advanced Placement and CCP courses, is a math tutor, a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, Junior Optimist, Ohio Student Safety Council, Business Professionals of America, and Miami Valley Dance Center Dance Force, and plans to study pharmaceutical sales and business at Ohio Northern University.
- Gavin Imel, Northwestern High School, is an ordained minister, a member of the Art Club and National Art Honor Society, pursuing officiant and notary licenses, and plans to study pre-mortuary science at Bowling Green State University.
- Kylie Locke, Northeastern High School, is a communication intern, a member of National Honor Society and FFA, and an avid volunteer.
- Jason Perdue, Global Impact STEM Academy, is class president, volunteers with the Second Harvest Food Bank, is a member of FFA, student government, Big Future Ambassadors and Phi Theta Kappa, and plans to study business finance at Ohio State University.
- Addelynn Ricketts, Greenon High School, is the president of Sources of Strength, a member of the varsity volleyball team, the Spanish and National Honor Societies, and plans to attend the University of Akron to major in graphic design
- Maura Simpson, Shawnee High School, is a student leader in the National Honor Society and Student Council, and plans to major in exercise science and minor in sports communication.
Three people and organizations were also honored:
- Nazarae Butler, Clark State’s director of athletics and student engagement, with the Diversity and Inclusion Award, which honors a Clark State employee who leads by example and is dedicated to meeting the needs of a diverse community.
Butler implemented the college’s Cultural Fest, an event that celebrates diversity by highlighting the backgrounds and global traditions of students, staff and faculty, advocates for employee involvement with the athletic program, coordinates student athlete celebrations and empowers the student senate to be recognized leaders across campus.
- Springfield Masonic Community with the Diversity Champion Award, presented with the Greater Springfield Partnership, honors a community business that exemplifies commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
This retirement community, which offers care from independent and assisted living options to memory support and skilled nursing care, collaborates with the college to create learning and career opportunities for students in nursing, as well as English as a Second Language programs.
- Springfield Promise Neighborhood with the Hope Award, which recognizes a local organization whose commitment to service, empowerment and positive change has significantly impacted their community. This organization works to empower communities to support the development of local youth.
“Having a long history of connecting community-based resources and opportunities to the needs of our local families and children, Springfield Promise Neighborhood exemplifies the power of collaboration,” SPN officials said. “Providing a safe place for family engagement, Springfield Promise Neighborhood offers enriching programs that promote learning — mutually benefiting children and adults and allowing opportunities to grow together.”
The annual MLK event is in partnership with the city of Springfield, Park National Bank, Topre Corp., and Springfield Links, as well as additional support from the Springfield Foundation and the United Way of Clark, Champaign and Madison Counties.
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