Thurston High School Honors Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy

Thurston High School students, staff, and community members gathered Tuesday morning for a schoolwide assembly honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., reflecting on his enduring message of unity, community, and care for others. 

 

The assembly centered on Dr. King’s words from Letter from Birmingham Jail: “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” The quote served as a guiding theme throughout the program, which emphasized the relevance of Dr. King’s teachings in today’s social and civic landscape.

 

The celebration featured a series of performances that blended music, movement, and spoken word. Contemporary jazz musician and pianist Keith Brown performed accompanied by the Thurston Jazz Band followed by performances from Hip-hop artist and Springfield teacher Michael “Kay” Klindt engaging students in call and response. The final performance was by Zimbabwean dance and drumming artists Ratie D and John Mambira. 

 

The keynote address was delivered by Kellen Carr, a local youth advocate, mentor, award-winning broadcast journalist, and U.S. Air Force veteran. Carr, a regular broadcaster for Thurston High School games, spoke to students about leadership, service, and the power young people have to create positive change in their communities.

 

Members of Thurston High School’s Black Student Union played a central role in the event, facilitating a student-led presentation that explored modern-day activism, community connection, and how Dr. King’s vision can be applied in students’ daily lives.

 

Following the assembly, students were invited to an informal “after-party” celebration that extended the learning beyond the assembly. During the gathering, students had the opportunity to sample bites of southern soul food catered by Styr Kurbside Kitchen and served by THS culinary and catering student leaders. The event created space for reflection and community-building.

 

School leaders said the celebration reflects Thurston High School’s ongoing commitment to cultural awareness, student voice, and fostering a caring community. The assembly and related activities offered students an opportunity not only to honor Dr. King’s legacy, but also to consider their own roles in promoting unity, community, and care for others.