Unity. Justice. Peace. Equality. These are the ideals that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fought for, and these values continue to resonate deeply within society today. At WCHS students and educators are keenly aware of the issues of bullying, discrimination and inequality still present in the world. Dr. King’s powerful messages serve as a guiding light for the community, inspiring ongoing discussions and student-led initiatives aimed at creating a more equitable society.
Throughout the school, the legacy of Dr. King is honored in various ways. Educators like Ms. Sandy Young, who teaches AP U.S. History (APUSH) and AP African American Studies, emphasize the importance of integrating lessons about King’s contributions into the curriculum.
“Dr. King was a complex and brilliant man,” Young said. “It is vital for students to understand his role beyond the famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech and to recognize his commitment to social justice and equality. We spend a great deal of time in APUSH highlighting the contributions that marginalized groups have made to American society and being as inclusive as possible in our instruction and interactions with students.”
In preparation for MLK Day, students have the chance to participate in a variety of service projects. This year, on Jan. 19, the annual Montgomery County Martin Luther King Day event will offer student service learning (SSL) hours to students who work with over 30 local nonprofits. However, many students have taken it upon themselves to memorialize Dr. King through their own initiatives.
“As the coordinator of the Minority Scholars Program, I have seen some of my students take initiative and form a club that addresses economic issues—which is also something Dr. King was very vocal about,” Young said. “He was planning a Poor People’s March on Washington when he was assassinated. In that spirit, [students] Kenan Brohiri and Elias Dejene have formed a club called Project Warm that is focused on providing clothing for people in need in Montgomery County.”
To commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., WCHS hosted a week of activities in January focused on community service and social justice. During lunch, students had the chance to participate in various initiatives that allowed them to earn SSL hours while connecting with the principles championed by Dr. King. These events aimed to inspire a spirit of togetherness and commitment to service among the student body.
“Dr. King’s legacy teaches us to stand up for justice and make a difference in our community,” WCHS freshman Lyla Acadia said. “The activities at WCHS remind us that even small acts, like volunteering or learning about his work, can bring us closer to the world he dreamed of. As a new generation, we need to continue recognizing the wrongs from the past and realize everyone is equal.”
MLK Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality, justice and peace. As WCHS students and educators engage in meaningful discussions and initiatives, they carry forward Dr. King’s legacy, inspiring one another to continue the work toward a more just and equitable society.
“Understanding everyone is different and treating them how you want to be treated is how we can carry on Dr. King’s legacy,” Acadia said.
