Manchester Schools' Gospel Chorus Presents 48th MLK Celebration

MANCHESTER, NJ — For the 48th year, the Manchester Township School District will honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the civil rights leader, with a program Friday evening at Manchester Township High School.

The celebration will feature a performance by the Manchester Township Schools' Gospel Chorus, according to the district.

It also will feature Rory Wells, a motivational speaker and an attorney in the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office who serves as the Community Relations Officer in the Community Relations Unit. Wells also is co-chair of the DART Coalition of RWJ Barnabas Health Institute for Prevention, which focuses on drug abuse prevention and programs.

Wells, who defines himself as an optimist who "truly believes as long as you are still alive success is possible, things can get better or you can contribute to others in a way that has eternal value." He has spoken publicly to thousands of people in his professional career including law enforcement, military, churches, non-profits, educational, and citizen groups on a range of topics including generational issues, safe social media, diversity, drugs, faith, and inspiration.

Wells served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps and earned his juris doctor degree from Regent University School of Law, Virginia Beach, VA. He earned his bachelor of xcience degree, magna cum laude, in government and public administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York.

The program begins at 7 p.m. Friday in the Manchester Township High School auditorium. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and children over 5, sold at the door. This event is sponsored in part by donations from the Manchester Township Education Association and the Manchester PTA.

Manchester Township High School Gospel Chorus performs on MLK Day in 2014, via Manchester Township School District