Roeper holds panel, candlelight walk for MLK

The Roeper School will hold a student-led panel discussion and a candlelight walk to honor and celebrate the ideals and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at its annual MLK family event on Monday, January 21.

The Roeper School, an independent day school for gifted children, holds an annual celebration of the ideals and memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as his life and work resonates strongly with the school, said Kari Papadopolous, director of communications and marketing for The Roeper School.

“He embodied the beliefs that the school holds dear and that are deeply ingrained not only in its curriculum, but that resonate every day in its classrooms and hallways: equality, social justice, respect, responsibility, self-control and peaceful conflict resolution,” Papadopolous said.

The community is invited to gather and hear inspirational words, share a light meal and listen to personal reflections on how Dr. King's beliefs and actions have impacted students' lives. At 4 p.m., families are invited to listen to a student panel discussion on the topic of the civil and human rights movement of today moderated by faculty member Aaron Robinson.

At 5 p.m., the program will continue in the gymnasium with a light meal of a variety of soup and bread, followed by a ceremony at 6 p.m. where reflections are shared regarding the life and accomplishments of Dr. King. Community members are invited to join in the singing of songs, sharing of poems and other works. All events are free and open to the public.

At approximately 6:45 p.m., candles will be distributed and the traditional Martin Luther King, Jr. Candlelight Walk begins from the Community Center to Roeper's Martin Luther King, Jr. Domes, built in 1969, in his memory. A sharing of thoughts of Dr. King's impact on their lives and the work remaining to be done will follow.

The tradition of the Roeper Candlelight Walk in Dr. King’s memory began in the early 1980s, initiated and led by Roeper high school students with about 25 people in attendance. It has since grown to over 400 people, having become one of Roeper’s favorite events. All attendees are encouraged to bring at least one nonperishable food item to donate to Roeper’s community food bank project with Gleaners led by Stage III and IV students (Grades 2–5).

Overflow parking and shuttle service is available from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Stoneridge parking lot south of Roeper.