“Dr. King not only changed our community, but changed the worlda through conversation, peace, and civil action, said Brandon Jacobs, faculty advisor to the Inclusion Council. On Monday, January 15th, the Hill School paused to discuss and reflect on what Martin Luther King Jr. achieved for racial equality and the power of peace and justice. The program was organized by Jacobs and the Inclusion Council.

The morning began with a video of King’s speech entitled, “What is Your Life’s Blueprint?” This was followed by a documentary that focused on Dr. King’s life. The emphasis for Hill’s MLK Day program this year was on the person Martin Luther King Jr. was in addition to the legacy he left behind.

“We wanted to contextualize Dr. King’s life as a whole,” said Mr. Jacobs. “We want students to learn more about who he was as a person and why he is still relevant today.”

In the afternoon, students broke up into discussion groups. They were separated into fifth and sixth form and third and fourth form groups. Some students didn’t feel the discussions were very impactful.

“It would have been easier to have a discussion with people I’m more comfortable with,” said Calla Booth-Genthe ‘19.

Even though plans for next year’s MLK Day celebration won’t be made for a while, students have already made suggestions for the all-school assembly.

“The documentary wasn’t very engaging. I would have preferred a speaker,” said Sarah Wentling ‘18.

Overall, students appreciated taking the time to reflect on such a historic figure.

“It was a great learning opportunity for Hill students to recognize Dr. Martin Luther King on this day.,” said Avery Jamieson ‘18. S

Students were pleased to get time off from school to spend the day talking about the issues that affect our nation.

“The event provided the community with a safe space to discuss topics that affect everyone,” said Belle Bernhoeft-Gutierrez ‘18.