The School District of Lancaster proudly celebrated the achievements of its students, alumni, and community partners at the 37th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, held on January 20, 2025, at Millersville University. Organized by the Crispus Attucks Community Center and the Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County, this year’s theme, “Unity in Diversity: Our Single Garment of Destiny,” emphasized the power of collective action and shared responsibility.
Youth voices took center stage during the event’s essay contest, with several SDoL students earning recognition for their insightful reflections on Dr. King’s legacy. Congratulations to Jamari Colon of Hazel L. Jackson Middle School and Jailynn Ortiz, Dahiana Ruiz, and Manuel Corrales Vazquez of Washington Elementary School for their thought-provoking essays on Dr. King’s enduring legacy of unity and justice.The students’ work exemplifies the district’s commitment to nurturing empathy, leadership, and a dedication to social justice.
SDoL alumni continue to make significant impacts in the community, as seen in the honorees celebrated at the breakfast. Ron Martin, a retired WGAL 8 reporter, received the prestigious Essence of Humanity Award sponsnored by the High Foundation. A six-time Emmy Award winner, Martin’s career spanned decades of impactful journalism, covering pivotal events like the Hanover race riots and the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Martin’s dedication to community service, inspired by his upbringing and education, serves as a model for current SDoL students.
Another honoree, Derrick Burch, director of development at The Mix, McCaskey High School alumnus and a active community leader, was recognized with an Essence of Humanity Award for his ongoing efforts to support Lancaster’s youth and families. Burch credited his mentors at the Crispus Attucks Community Center for shaping his life trajectory, underscoring the importance of community involvement and mentorship.
Aida Rodriguez, Tenfold and a McCaskey Alumna, received the Ruby Payne Cook Award along with UGI Utilities and Ted Darcus received the Crispus Attucks Community Center’s Legacy Award.
Event Highlights
The breakfast featured a keynote address by writer and speaker Ijeoma Oluo, delivered virtually due to weather conditions. “We always have to turn to each other and come together to find strength to go on,” Oluo urged, emphasizing the interconnectedness that defines our collective survival.
Lancaster-based Afro-Latino poet and music producer Lord Eli delivered a powerful speech, challenging attendees to embrace love and justice as guiding principles for systemic change. “We need systems that reward love, compassion, integrity, and justice,” Eli said.
The event also included performances of Lift Every Voice and Sing by Shanise Philbert and Chelsea Christmas and a musical performance by THEM Collective, a Central Pennsylvania-based group.
The breakfast highlighted the critical role of community partnerships in creating opportunities for students and families. Longtime partners like Crispus Attucks Community Center and the Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County work closely with the district to address issues of equity, education, and empowerment.
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