Country School Community Honors Legacy Of Martin Luther King, Jr.

NEW CANAAN, CT — From New Canaan Country School: The Country School community took time Jan. 11 and 12 to reflect upon the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the enduring themes of his life’s work and the courage it takes to envision the way things could be.

Earlier in the week, hallway bulletin boards in the Lower, Middle and Upper School buildings were transformed into a collection of such visions, jotted down by students, faculty and staff on small pieces of paper which were then posted on the walls. Ranging in scope from “Everyone has a good friend” and “People are treated fairly” to “No terrorism,” the exercise provided an opportunity for all to think about their own commitments to making the world a more just and equitable place.

During an assembly held Thursday, the older students gathered to listen to a selection of these reflections, shared by teachers Abby Cali and Hannah Liu and students Ben Balsley of Rowayton, Ram Perez of Norwalk, Annie Harrigan of New Canaan, Ari Lerner of Westport, Tanvi DebNath of Stamford and Audrey Magnusen of Norwalk. Ninth grade Assembly Committee members Dillon Mims of Norwalk, Daly Baker of New Canaan, Will Johnson of New Canaan and Tyler Galante of Darien, emceed the event, providing an overview of Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech and introducing the speakers.

“One of the things Dr. King said was, ‘Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education,’” said Middle School Spanish Teacher Abby Cali in her remarks. “I try to practice this daily in my classroom. I try to not only give you the Spanish grammar and vocabulary, but I also teach you how to be a better person in this world.”

“I think about all the different activists with extraordinary vision who rose up to the challenge of fighting injustice,” said Upper School Latin Teacher Hannah Liu. “I think about Yuji Ichioka, the founder of the Asian American movement, who fought for fair treatment of Asian kids in schools, as he brought together many different people to work toward a better tomorrow.”

“It’s hard to make people feel safe or happy,” said seventh grader Ari Lerner to those assembled. “But look at Dr. King, he convinced people from all races to march with him in Washington D.C. and make a stand for his loved ones and his friends and even people he doesn’t know. If one man can do this, why can’t we as a giant community?”

“When I hear about Dr. King's I Have a Dream speech, I think of his dreams for our country regarding racial equality,” said ninth grader Audrey Magnusen. “I reflect on the progress we have made as a country since his death. We have had an African American president, something I think he would be very proud of, however, we still struggle with shootings involving black people as victims, and a lack of economic equality.”

“In school, or on a team, or in any group that I am included in, equality is my standard,” said eighth grader Ram Perez. “I believe we all have the responsibility of making this world a place where people of all backgrounds and identities won’t live in fear of discrimination.”

The Lower School also celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with an assembly, including a group recitation of Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech, as well as student musical performances and reflections. Students who participated in the group recitation included Thomas Blouin of Darien, Kaitlyn Buda of Rowayton, Charlie Cahill of Norwalk, Martin Flanagan of Ridgefield, Oscar Knowles of Rowayton, Zoe Malkoun of New Canaan, Connor Mallin of New Canaan, Mateo Mendoza-Silva of Norwalk, Matt Silver of Stamford, Michaela Springer of Redding, Nicholas Stern of New Canaan, Keeley Strine of New Canaan and Daisy Winn of Rowayton.

Director of Diversity and Inclusion Kisha Palmer remarked in a letter to the school community: “As I reflect on the enduring messages of Dr. King’s work and leadership in the American Civil Rights Movement, I consider the courage it takes to hold a dream. I consider the courage it takes to endeavor to step closer to a vision of the way things could be, instead of being defeated by the reality of what is not.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

1. New Canaan Country School ninth grade Assembly Committee members Dillon Mims of Norwalk, Daly Baker of New Canaan, Will Johnson of New Canaan and Tyler Galante of Darien, emceed an event in honor of martin Luther King, Jr., providing an overview of his I Have a Dream speech and introducing the speakers.

2. New Canaan Country School eighth grader Ram Perez of Norwalk offered a personal reflection on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I have a Dream speech during a school assembly held Jan. 12.

3. New Canaan Country School seventh grader Ari Lerner of Westport offered a personal reflection in response on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I have a Dream speech during a school assembly held Jan. 12.

4. New Canaan Country School students in grades 1-4 sang songs at an assembly held in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Jan. 13.

Photo credit: New Canaan Country School