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MLK Day Assembly Inspires Reflection and Celebration
On Friday, January 17, the entire on-campus community gathered to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect upon his legacy of compassion and community engagement.
The all-school assembly featured powerful remarks from John N. '25 and Mia M. '25, a recitation of Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" by Alexander B. '25, and performances from the Middle School Glee Club and Lower School Choir.
The all-school assembly featured powerful remarks from John N. '25 and Mia M. '25, a recitation of Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" by Alexander B. '25, and performances from the Middle School Glee Club and Lower School Choir.
In his speech, John N. '25 spoke about the storied history of Martin Luther King Jr. Day itself, noting that the day was not formally observed in Arizona until the state faced major backlash from entities like the National Football League (NFL), which moved the planned 1993 Super Bowl out of Phoenix.
"Today, MLK Jr. Day is a day where people perform civic work and carry out community service. I encourage all of you to help out your community and to make some sort of impact, whether it be helping the homeless or doing a neighborhood cleanup," he said. "Whatever it is, do it with a smile and remember Martin Luther King Jr.'s great life of service."
Mia M. '25 highlighted Colette Colvin, a figure of the Civil Rights Movement, who sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott but is often forgotten in favor of the better-known Rosa Parks. Like Parks, Colvin was arrested for refusing to forfeit her seat on a segregated public bus; however, Colvin was only 15 years old when she was arrested.
"Even though her story often goes untold, the impact of her heroic acts has to be appreciated and spoken about. Her courage was a pivotal moment of the movement, and she should be recognized for all the work she did," Mia said.
This special morning, which overlapped with a football-themed Dress Down Day, also included remarks from Ms. Tyson and Mr. Holmgren, who spoke more about MLK's life and message.
While speaking on MLK's significance, Mr. Holmgren compared Dr. King to Robert Frost's traveler in "The Road Not Traveled," two men who embark upon a more rugged path despite its obstacles.
"Dr. King's life was a testament to the road less traveled. In a time of immense injustice and inequality, he stood at a crossroads. He could have accepted the world as it was... but instead, he chose a path of resistance to injustice, a path of non-violent protest, and a path of unwavering hope," Mr. Holmgren shared.
Throughout the assembly, the Middle School Glee Club and Lower School Choir furthered Dr. King's message of hope, kindness, and strength with songs like "Nothing More," which reminds listeners that "we are how we treat each other — nothing more." Led by Ms. Florian and Ms. Tantau, the students performed alongside special guests Katherine Y. '25, Mr. Zhunio, Ms. Merwin, and Mr. Gallo.
To open the assembly, Lila W. '25 recited the Pledge of Allegiance alongside Olivia C. '29 and Bryce B. '29.
Thank you to everyone who helped facilitate this wonderful morning of reflection, celebration, and community. All photos are available on MyCalvert.
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"Today, MLK Jr. Day is a day where people perform civic work and carry out community service. I encourage all of you to help out your community and to make some sort of impact, whether it be helping the homeless or doing a neighborhood cleanup," he said. "Whatever it is, do it with a smile and remember Martin Luther King Jr.'s great life of service."
Mia M. '25 highlighted Colette Colvin, a figure of the Civil Rights Movement, who sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott but is often forgotten in favor of the better-known Rosa Parks. Like Parks, Colvin was arrested for refusing to forfeit her seat on a segregated public bus; however, Colvin was only 15 years old when she was arrested.
"Even though her story often goes untold, the impact of her heroic acts has to be appreciated and spoken about. Her courage was a pivotal moment of the movement, and she should be recognized for all the work she did," Mia said.
This special morning, which overlapped with a football-themed Dress Down Day, also included remarks from Ms. Tyson and Mr. Holmgren, who spoke more about MLK's life and message.
While speaking on MLK's significance, Mr. Holmgren compared Dr. King to Robert Frost's traveler in "The Road Not Traveled," two men who embark upon a more rugged path despite its obstacles.
"Dr. King's life was a testament to the road less traveled. In a time of immense injustice and inequality, he stood at a crossroads. He could have accepted the world as it was... but instead, he chose a path of resistance to injustice, a path of non-violent protest, and a path of unwavering hope," Mr. Holmgren shared.
Throughout the assembly, the Middle School Glee Club and Lower School Choir furthered Dr. King's message of hope, kindness, and strength with songs like "Nothing More," which reminds listeners that "we are how we treat each other — nothing more." Led by Ms. Florian and Ms. Tantau, the students performed alongside special guests Katherine Y. '25, Mr. Zhunio, Ms. Merwin, and Mr. Gallo.
To open the assembly, Lila W. '25 recited the Pledge of Allegiance alongside Olivia C. '29 and Bryce B. '29.
Thank you to everyone who helped facilitate this wonderful morning of reflection, celebration, and community. All photos are available on MyCalvert.
Calvert School is a coed independent lower and middle school.
