Students and staff at New Visions celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by dressing in black and white and performing a variety of inspirational songs during a special ceremony prior to the national holiday.
The program featured several vocal performances by students in each grade, as well as the presentation of the school's annual MLK Peace Award to one extraordinary fourth-grader. The award, which recognizes a student's exceptional contributions of peace and leadership, was presented to Shirley Benavides, who received a trophy, medallion, certificate and the honor of having her name displayed on a plaque inside the school. Benavides was chosen from a pool of five students nominated for the award by their teachers and classmates. Medallions and certificates were presented to the four runners-up to the award.
Dr. King's dream was celebrated with a variety of songs, including "What a Wonderful World," "This Little Light of Mine," and "Hall of Fame," as well as with a poem titled "Peace" recited by students. Facts about Dr. King's life were also presented by students throughout the program.
The ceremony celebrated Dr. King's virtues of leadership and peace, and recognized New Visions' students who continue to exhibit those ideals daily.