Hundreds gathered at Edgewood High School for the 32nd annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Recognition Breakfast on Sunday. Every year, the Urban League of Greater Madison hosts one of the largest family observances of the King Holiday in Wisconsin.
The purpose of the event was to honor young people that embody the spirit of Dr. King, are excelling in school, focusing on their future, and serving others through volunteerism. Students from all across Dane County were nominated by their middle and high schools based on their academic performance, community service and extracurricular participation.
Madison Mayor Paul Soglin, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi and MMSD Superintendent Jennifer Cheatham were among the local leaders who attended the breakfast.
Mike Elliott, president of Edgewood High School, and Marcia Lovett, director of admissions at Edgewood High School gave the welcoming remarks. Ten-year-old Jaden Colbert, a fifth-grader at St. James Catholic School, read excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Corinda Rainey-Moore, president of the Urban League Greater Madison Young Professionals presented the Outstanding Young Person Awards. Ruben Anthony, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison, gave his own remarks.
“If you dream big dreams, you have an opportunity to be great,” Dr. Anthony told the crowd. “Education is the great liberator. Don’t let anyone take that away from you.”
The 2016 Betty Franklin Hammonds Scholarship winners were announced by the Urban League’s Hedi Rudd and Linnell Hammonds of the Franklin-Hammonds Family. They are Marcus Seaton of Monona Grove High School, Cynthia Maduka of East High School and Hewan Schade of Sun Prairie High School. The Betty-Franklin Hammonds Scholarship rewards the accomplishments of graduating seniors seeking to further their education beyond high school, with special attention given to those who have faced particular economic and/or social obstacles on their journey to educational advancement.
MMSD Mann Scholars were honored: Alisha Campbell of Memorial High School, Blake Washington of West High School, Alayvia Jackson of East High School and Francine White of Memorial High School.
