Number of Participants: 30
Hours Donated: 10
Value of Time Served: $2,535
Organization / Team: MLK day of service committee
Event Type: Advocacy & Human Rights
Activity: Schools
School: Croton-Harmon High School
Date: January 17, 2025
Location:
Croton-on-Hudson
NY, USA
About:
In January, our school proudly launched its first MLK Day of Service and Education. This day was thoughtfully designed as a meaningful opportunity to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through thoughtful reflection and active community engagement. The inspiration for this day came from Dr. King’s powerful message of unity and service. My team was committed to exploring the deeper “why” behind his work, ensuring that his fight for human rights remains relevant and inspiring to us in today’s world. To achieve this we scheduled a day at the Croton Free Library, where we participated in Socratic Seminars and interactive workshops that challenged us to think critically. Rather than only studying Dr. King, we expanded our understanding by learning about other influential activists, such as Cesar Chavez. My peers and I took an active role in leading presentations that highlighted how these leaders, despite their different backgrounds, shared a common vision. This collective insight helped everyone recognize that the struggle for equality is a shared and ongoing journey. One of the creative highlights was our “string of unity” project and a flexible disc sculpture featuring inspiring quotes from Dr. King and other leaders. This sculpture now travels throughout our schools as a powerful visual reminder of our shared commitment to the values of service.
We also invited three community organizations to share their missions and work with us. Sparking interest and involvement in local service efforts among many students. This connection between education and community engagement reinforced the relevance of Dr. King’s message in our own neighborhoods. Building on the foundation laid in January, we transitioned to action in March through a series of community service projects. Many students spent meaningful time with the Croton Senior Club, participating in mindful coloring activities and playing “Comchi,” a card game designed to foster thoughtful thinking. Others volunteered at food pantries or helped elderly community members with their daily tasks. These service projects helped the students of Croton Harmon high school become more integrated and involved with the community they grew up in. It gave them the opportunity to give back with their time and service. By taking ownership of these projects, we moved beyond merely studying history but we became active contributors to our community. In doing so, we brought Dr. King’s vision of service and social justice to life. This coming september, my team and I are working on another service project but around 9/11.
