Eagles Celebrate MLK, Dignity
Cathedral of the Risen Christ students spent their Martin Luther King Jr. day differently than many students in the country - they were in school learning about the man, the era, and dignity of all kinds.
"We all felt that this man and his day meshed perfectly with our Dignity Campaign," said Principal J.J. Ekeler. "I respect that many schools take this day off in honor of MLK, but we felt a day of immersion in dignity and Dr. King's message would be a powerful one for our students and community."
Projects in the weeks prior to January 18th included class poetry, dignity "quilts", presentations by CRC's Quantum Leapers history club, and dozens of classroom lessons on dignity of all kind.
"It seemed obvious to us that Dr. King's message to our world today is one of dignity," said third grade teacher Kelley Garay. "That includes the dignity of all people, regardless of race, economic status, ability or situation."
Fifth grade teacher Scott Svatos added, "We want our kids to get to the place where they say, 'That is a person, period.' Too often in this world we qualify the person: 'That is a person who...' or 'That is a person that does...' We want our CRC kids to know people are people, and that means they have God-given dignity regardless of anything else. That's our message of MLK Day and the Dignity Campaign."
The work-up to January 18th culminated with an assembly that included Mexican dancers, Vietnamese Lion dancing, poetry reading by retired teacher and published poet Mrs. Carolyn Nickel, a song by the entire student body, fortune cookies from Sr. Theresa Nguyen, and a recital of the Dignity Pledge.
