ICS Students Honor the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through Song, Poetry, and Conversation
Indian Creek students honored the life and celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in many ways leading up to the federal holiday. Through classroom projects and discussions to two assemblies that featured song, poetry, and thoughtful speakers, the ICS student body - from Pre-K through grade 12 - are inspired to continue Dr. King's work together and remain steadfast in their approach to truly fulfill his vision.
On Friday, January 17, Lower School students gathered together in the Jack and Nancy Becker Center to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a meaningful and reflective assembly. The event started off with Lower School Principal Jen Malachowski asking the question: “What is MLK?” Students responded with what they’ve been learning about Dr. King, highlighting his role as a civil rights leader who fought for equality, fairness, and the rights for Black Americans during a time of segregation.
On Friday, January 17, Lower School students gathered together in the Jack and Nancy Becker Center to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a meaningful and reflective assembly. The event started off with Lower School Principal Jen Malachowski asking the question: “What is MLK?” Students responded with what they’ve been learning about Dr. King, highlighting his role as a civil rights leader who fought for equality, fairness, and the rights for Black Americans during a time of segregation.
Dean of Community and Well-Being Isaiah Noreiga then led a discussion about why Dr. King fought for these principles, emphasizing his want for peace, harmony, and ensuring that all are treated fairly. Further exploring these themes, he began reading the children’s book All Are Neighbors, which sparked observations from the students about diversity, community, and kindness. Mr. Noreiga tied these ideas back to Dr. King, explaining how his efforts helped create a world where all people can learn and grow in together.
Kindergarten students continued the theme of unity by sharing artwork they created to illustrate the theme of coming together and highlight the message: “Together, we are Creek”. A touching poem titled Love Each Other was then read by fifth grader Edira Agbedia, emphasizing the importance of care and connection.
The assembly closed with all the students rising to sing and showcase their sign language in the song “Together”: “Together we’re stronger, we’ve got to remember we’re one. With love in the center, we can come together. Together. Together. Together.”
Later in the afternoon, ICS sixth through twelfth grade students had the opportunity to come together to reflect on Dr. King's legacy at a full MS/US assembly. To begin this meeting, Mr. Noreiga shared words from a lesser known speech that Dr. King gave to six months before he was assassinated:
"What is your life’s blueprint?... I want to suggest some of the things that should begin your life’s blueprint. Number one in your life blueprint, should be a deep belief in your own dignity, your worth and your own somebodies. Don’t allow anybody to make you feel that you are a nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that you have worth, and always feel that your life has ultimate significance. Secondly, in your life’s blueprint you must have as the basic principle; the determination to achieve excellence in your various fields of endeavor. You’re going to be deciding as the days, as the years unfold what you will do in life – what your life’s work will be. Set out to do it well."
Following these words, student body President (and Poetry Out Loud Champion) Madison Harris '26 shared a poignant performance of the poem They Clapped by Nikki Giovanni and Black Student Alliance President Alana McKeithen '27 shared some heartfelt, insightful, and inspiring excerpts from a recent BSA conversation about what Black History Month means to them. "Black History Month is a time to reflect on the journey, the resilience, and the triumphs of Black people throughout history. It is about acknowledging the struggles of the past, from the horrors of slavery to the fight for civil rights, and honoring the trailblazers who paved the way for progress. It is also about celebrating the beauty, brilliance, and strength of Black culture, contributions, and community." She invited the Middle and Upper School students to remember how far we have come and use that progress as fuel to keep pushing forward. "Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and work toward a brighter future."
To close the assembly, ICS was honored to welcome keynote speaker Lawrence Grandpre, The Director of Research for Leaders of Beautiful Struggle, to speak about Martin Luther King Jr's activism and the history of Maryland's role during the civil rights movement.
Mr. Noreiga summed up the message to students on Martin Luther King Jr. day. "As we reflect on his legacy, remember this: You are part of the future he dreamed of, and your actions, your compassion, and your knowledge will continue to make the world a more just and kind place."
Click here to view a full gallery of MLK celebration photos: https://indiancreekschool.myschoolapp.com/app/detail/album/photo/2092804
Later in the afternoon, ICS sixth through twelfth grade students had the opportunity to come together to reflect on Dr. King's legacy at a full MS/US assembly. To begin this meeting, Mr. Noreiga shared words from a lesser known speech that Dr. King gave to six months before he was assassinated:
"What is your life’s blueprint?... I want to suggest some of the things that should begin your life’s blueprint. Number one in your life blueprint, should be a deep belief in your own dignity, your worth and your own somebodies. Don’t allow anybody to make you feel that you are a nobody. Always feel that you count. Always feel that you have worth, and always feel that your life has ultimate significance. Secondly, in your life’s blueprint you must have as the basic principle; the determination to achieve excellence in your various fields of endeavor. You’re going to be deciding as the days, as the years unfold what you will do in life – what your life’s work will be. Set out to do it well."
Following these words, student body President (and Poetry Out Loud Champion) Madison Harris '26 shared a poignant performance of the poem They Clapped by Nikki Giovanni and Black Student Alliance President Alana McKeithen '27 shared some heartfelt, insightful, and inspiring excerpts from a recent BSA conversation about what Black History Month means to them. "Black History Month is a time to reflect on the journey, the resilience, and the triumphs of Black people throughout history. It is about acknowledging the struggles of the past, from the horrors of slavery to the fight for civil rights, and honoring the trailblazers who paved the way for progress. It is also about celebrating the beauty, brilliance, and strength of Black culture, contributions, and community." She invited the Middle and Upper School students to remember how far we have come and use that progress as fuel to keep pushing forward. "Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and work toward a brighter future."
To close the assembly, ICS was honored to welcome keynote speaker Lawrence Grandpre, The Director of Research for Leaders of Beautiful Struggle, to speak about Martin Luther King Jr's activism and the history of Maryland's role during the civil rights movement.
Mr. Noreiga summed up the message to students on Martin Luther King Jr. day. "As we reflect on his legacy, remember this: You are part of the future he dreamed of, and your actions, your compassion, and your knowledge will continue to make the world a more just and kind place."
Click here to view a full gallery of MLK celebration photos: https://indiancreekschool.myschoolapp.com/app/detail/album/photo/2092804
Indian Creek School
Indian Creek school is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school, located in Crownsville, Maryland. Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections.
