Upper School students, faculty, and staff gathered together to pause and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Friday, January 17. During the first part of the day, the Upper School Student Diversity Leadership Committee (SDLC) opened the program which was followed by a viewing of Exposure—a documentary that tells the story of a group of women from around the world of different ethnicities, backgrounds, and religions as they embark on one of the last expeditions to the North Pole. These women faced considerable risks in their journey, and in doing so, they brought attention to the issue of melting polar ice caps.
Following the film, and inspired by Dr. King’s life of service, all students participated in various service projects. Students in grade 10 traveled off campus to local Montclair non-profits (College Women’s Club of Montclair, Human Needs Food Pantry, Montclair Public Library, Presby-Iris Gardens, and Toni’s Kitchen). Students in ninth grade, as well as grades 11 and 12, participated in a variety of service projects on campus such as packing sustainable lunches for Bridges Outreach, crafting blankets for guests at Montclair Emergency Services for Hope (MESH), preparing children’s activity books for Oasis, and making stuffed animals for children at the Clara Maass Medical Center.
The day offered everyone an opportunity to pause, engage in meaningful work and reflection, and honor Dr. King through service to others. Moments like Community Day help equip each MKA student with the tools to become ethical individuals who lead with empathy and integrity.