Schools
The Life and Spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrated at MTHS
The life and legacy of the civil rights leader was celebrated through words and music
For the 28th year, devoted an evening of poetry, song and genuine reflection to world-renowned orator, reverend and civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A program celebrating King was held this past Friday in the school’s auditorium and featured a speech from guest lecturer, Rev. Pamela L. Carey, founder of the non-denominational Sister’s Fellowship Ministries. Invocations and benedictions from local clergy, a student’s original poem and a performance by the Manchester Township Schools Gospel Chorus also were presented.
“It’s a special occasion that shines light on how a community can embrace a dream and celebrate the life of Dr. King,” said Rev. Paul Gifford, Lead Pastor of First Assembly of God Church in Toms River, who for the second year opened the ceremony with a prayer invocation.
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“The nice thing is that it’s a large community activity, in addition to being a school activity,” said event advisor Joan Slater. “Everyone is invited to attend, and it brings everyone together – that’s the message.”
Slater told the audience that they would be “entertained and inspired” by the program awaiting them, and proceeded to revisit some of the history of King’s life. He was the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, and the first African-American to receive distinction as Time Magazine’s “Man of the Year” in 1963 (which is now the “Person of the Year” award). On August 28 of that same year, King delivered his historic “I Have A Dream” address in Washington, D.C. before a crowd of 250,000 people.
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“We could all benefit from Martin Luther King’s words: 'The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,'” Slater quoted.
Before the program began, Rev. Troy Swift of Manchester encouraged those gathered to “enjoy themselves and be inspired” through what they were about to witness.
High school Vice Principal Evelyn Swift and Choral Director Selena Bullock opened the musical portion of the night with a dual rendition of a hymn entitled “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
They were followed by the Omega Praise Team from St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Toms River, consisting of Taylor, Tami and Andy LeCompte, Steve Millington and Jim Monia – who performed both “Shine On Us” and “You Are Good."
Manchester Township High School student Cheyenne Jacobs then delivered a spirited original poem titled “My Mission," describing that no one and nothing will stop her from achieving her dreams.
The loudest and most evocative part of the presentation was exuded by the school's Gospel Chorus, comprised of both middle and high school students in the district.
The chorus was directed by Selena Bullock, and received musical accompaniment from Jay Bullock, Naomi Capasso, Isaiah Redd, Michael Richardson and Greg Warren. The group performed five songs: “In The Sanctuary,” “I Need You To Survive," “Give Him Glory,” “Lord, I Lift Your Name On High,” and their closer, R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly.”
The audience enthusiastically sang, chanted and clapped along to each song, stirring those gathered into a passionate and jubilantly celebratory mood. The musical accompaniment provided by all of the evening's participants proved an old adage true, which states that when one sings, they pray twice.
After the chorus’s part of the presentation concluded, the evening’s guest speaker, Carey, then shared some personal stories with those in attendance, including one where she witnessed a man from the Middle East who faced discrimination and rude treatment from airline staff on a plane.
The reverend explained that King’s message of acceptance extends to all people, reminding the audience to “love their neighbors” and had audience members express that sentiment to the people sitting next to them.
“We are there to love and care for our neighbors, remember what Dr. King gave his life for. It is time for us in 2012 to embrace the Civil Rights Movement,” Carey said. “Dr. King was an example of dedication. He continued to stand for what is right with non-violence.”
Troy Swift expressed hope that the audience would carry forth King’s message of equality and acceptance into the community and their own lives, in order to create a better future for all.
“Will we really take a stand and stand up for what’s right, and make a change in our surroundings?” he asked.
Superintendent of Schools David Trethaway explained that programs such as this are “important for everyone.”
“(King’s) recognition needs to be more than one day off from school or work every year. It’s so important that we meet that obligation so that his dream will live on,” he said.
Evelyn Swift said that proceeds from the event will be used to help fund the chorus. Schools are closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on Monday, Jan. 16.
