On Friday January 15th, Orchard students participated in an enrichment program celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. and his work during the Civil Rights Movement.  Returning from Cincinnati Ohio for her third year, Ms. Sheryl Garner presented the children with a thought that is as relevant today as it was during the Civil Rights Movement.  

This year's program focused on an old folksong that was rewritten by Alice Wine in 1958.  It became one of the most significant songs of the movement, and a theme of the day:  "Keep your eyes on the prize."  The song is also known as "Hold On." 

A discussion about the challenges everyone can face when trying to reach a goal - especially when others say its impossible - was relevant and thought provoking for the kids.  Imagine, if Steven Spielberg decided not to pursue film because he was rejected from film school twice?  Or if the Wright brothers listened to those who that said they would never be able to fly?  Aren't we all thankful that Alexander Graham Bell invented the first phone - and that continued technologists improved and improved it, making today's cell phones and texting?

The struggle to achieve the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965 was a personal and at times life threatening challenge for many.  A famous photograph made its way around the world of Amelia Boynton Robinson who was harmed with force and tear gas, nearly killing her in the Selma march for voting rights in March of 1965, later called “Bloody Sunday.”  But she and others encouraged by Dr. King did not give up.  They “kept their eyes on the prize” and in August of that same year Amelia was photographed shaking hands with President Lyndon Johnson in the Rose Garden after the passage of The Voting Rights Act.

These are important moments in our Country’s history that we are wise to reflect upon during the weekend celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday.

To hear the students saying, "Keep your eyes on the prize," click here.

To hear everyone singing the song, click here.

Thank you, Sheryl, for sharing your knowledge of Dr. King and your enthusiasm for his message.  Thanks also to the Orchard School PTO (and especially Monica Ostby) for sponsoring Sheryl.  It was a powerful and inspiring day!