Made possible through the sponsorship of the Philip McNeal Leadership Program, the third annual Upper School Film Festival was held on Friday, January 13. In honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the film festival offers the opportunity to gather for meaningful dialogue and reflection. This year’s theme was “Making the Invisible Visible.” The Upper School community watched the powerful 2022 movie, Till, and then participated in a series of activities and advisor group conversations about the film, its connection with the day’s theme, and what lessons might be brought back to MKA.
Led by the Student Diversity Leadership Committee (SDLC), the day included time for full community and smaller group activities and discussions. At the conclusion of the day, there were a series of extension activities open to students, including affinity group space and service activities, to kick off MLK weekend as well as Upper School Service Saturdays, which offer students an opportunity every Saturday from MLK weekend to the end of February to participate in a service activity (at Toni’s Kitchen, Oasis: A Haven for Women and Children, Bridges Outreach, Montclair Animal Shelter, etc.) to honor Dr. King on more than just one day.
Upper School students joined together for a service activity making no-sew blankets for local organizations.