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West Orange Schools Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and More

WEST ORANGE, NJ - Schools in West Orange celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with service projects, events, and assemblies, including a surprise celebration for Roosevelt Middle School Principal Lionel Hush, who received the West Orange Human Relations Commission Spirit Award during the annual MLK event held on Jan. 15.

Here's a look at some of the exciting MLK happenings in West Orange Schools:

Mt. Pleasant Elementary School

"January is a time for new hopes, dreams, and to encourage peace," said Principal Marc Lawrence.

"In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are organizing a meaningful day of service on Friday, January 17, 2025. Through this experiential learning project, our goal is to empower our school community while teaching our students the importance of serving others. Mt. Pleasant School will take part in the First Night Kit Program established by Jersey Cares. The students will assemble kits that will be donated to various transitional populations, such as domestic violence shelters, runaway safe havens, and/or foster homes. First Night Kits include hygiene items that are necessary on their “first night” of their stay," he explained.

"Leading up to the big event, students learned about Dr. King through videos, books, conversations and more. There were important discussions about Dr. King’s, I Have A Dream speech and the impact that it has had, and continues to have on our country," noted School Counselor Lisa Struncis.

"Students and staff took part in learning activities related to MLK Day, and then students worked together to sort and assemble the first night kits. They added their own personal touch by creating inspirational cards for their bags, and created classroom murals to commemorate the day of service," she added.

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Hazel Elementary School

Hazel Elementary School Student Council initiated a project to commemorate Dr King's legacy by collecting winter hats and gloves for children in Essex County.  They celebrated the kickoff to this event by having students and faculty participate in Crazy Hat Day on Friday, Jan.17.
 
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Roosevelt Middle School

Assistant Principal Olivia Betances and staff not only held an assembly to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but also Principal Lionel Hush, who received the Educator Award from the West Orange Human Relations Commission on Jan. 15 during the annual MLK event. Here is a transcript of Betance's speech.

"Good morning, students and staff. Today, I want to talk about how one person's accomplishments and beliefs can represent the legacy of a great leader. Many of you know about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his dream of a world where people are judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. This dream wasn't just about laws changing; it was about hearts changing, too.

Last week, the West Orange Human Relations Committee honored Mr. Hush with the Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award for over two decades of service, commitment and dedication to our students, families and community, that reflects the very spirit of MLK.

Mr.  Hush shows us what living Dr. King's dream looks like every day. Mr. Hush didn't become a principal for money or fame; he did it because he wanted to make a difference in your lives, just like Dr. King wanted to make a difference in the world.

Mr. Hush also believes that black history is American history. He knows that the struggles and sacrifices of people in the past paved the way for his opportunities today. Just like Dr. King fought for civil rights, Mr. Hush works hard to make sure everyone feels included and respected.

Remember, Dr. King's dream isn't just a story from the past; it's something we can live out every day. When you treat each other with kindness, when you stand up for what's right, and when you work hard to achieve your goals, you're carrying on Dr. King's legacy. And who knows, maybe one day, you'll be an inspiration to others, just like Mr. Hush."

With an appearance by the award-winning West Orange High School Cheer team, the assembly also celebrated Mr. Hush's recent birthday by singing Stevie Wonder's "Happy Birthday" to him.

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RMS Principal Lionel Hush receives his award at WOHRC MLK event Jan. 15. (Hush, top right, BOE VP Maria Vera to his right, Superintendent Hayden Moore, top right, with other recipients and WOHRC commissioners)

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Scan to see RMS Instagram video of Principal Hush

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Cynthia Cumming
Jan. 22, 2025