Edison’s MLK school honors its namesake

Award-winning singer-songwriter Red Grammer makes appearance at program

BY KATHY CHANG
Staff Writer

 Red Grammer Red Grammer EDISON — Maybe it was the township elementary school’s namesake that made the event on Jan. 18 that much more poignant, as the students at Martin Luther King Elementary School came together for a full day of special events to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as their own cultural diversity.

The students were dressed in traditional and festive clothing of their various backgrounds.

They started off the program by singing “Me I Am” to a recording by singer Will.I.Am and Sesame Street characters.

Then it was lights out, with battery-operated candles to reflect on peace and love for others. A slide-show presentation expounded on King and the principles he strove to uphold.

According to his biography, over an 11- year period between 1957 and 1968, King traveled more than 6 million miles and spoke more than 2,500 times, appearing wherever there was injustice, protest or action. At age 35, King was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize.

On April 4, 1968, King was assassinated while standing on the balcony of his motel room in Memphis, Tenn., where he was to lead a protest march in sympathy with striking garbage workers in the city.

Principal Diane Wilton told the children that what is inside everyone is what counts.

“We have the wonderful gift of giving,” she said. “We are all special people with all different traditions.”

The students were surprised with an appearance by singer-songwriter Red Grammer. This is the second time that he has visited the school.

Grammer is a Parents’ Choice Gold Award winner and has performed on PBS and other networks. Along with performing at the celebration, he held smaller “informances” throughout the afternoon and came back in the evening to hold an event for the students with their parents.

Grammer played “I Think You’re Wonderful,” “Hello World” and “Listen” for the students, and even brought teachers on stage to participate.

Teacher Roseanne Vallely said the birthday bash is a great way to end the school’s cultural week.

“Each grade learned about different continents and found facts featured in projects that are displayed all over the school,” she said.

Vallely said Grammer came to their school a couple years ago, and the Human Relations Committee at the school thought it would be great to bring him back.

“We thought it was appropriate, and he has a good message,” she said.

Vallely said the school has held various celebrations to honor King over the years, and she hopes to continue similar programs in the future.