Article by Phoenix writer Isabel Connolly ’23:
In Kellenberg, the message of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has an opportunity to appear in any class discussion. Whether it be in history class learning about the March on Washington or in English class reading a line of John Donne’s “Meditation 17” in one of his speeches, Dr. King’s message permeates the educational environment.
One Kellenberg teacher who applied the dynamic message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to an unlikely subject matter was was Mr. Kennedy.
On Tuesday January 17, as everyone returned from a restful three-day weekend, Mr. Kennedy of course discussed Dr. King and his legacy with his freshman history classes. However, he did not limit the discussion and instead opened his seventh period Advanced Computer Applications with a reflection on the significance of the day. The senior elective course was finishing an Excel spreadsheet project, documenting the financial success of their virtual lemonade stands. However, before they started work, Mr. Kennedy reminded them why they had that Monday off.
While Dr. King is most remembered for his profound “I Have A Dream” speech, Mr. Kennedy noted that King had several other speeches arguably more complex and meaningful.
The speech Mr. Kennedy discussed was a “Street Sweepers” speech, in which King asked his audience, “What did you do for others?”
Mr. Kennedy stressed, “King’s message is about more than just the grand acts; it also
includes the small acts that happen as students walk down the hallway before homeroom or in the cafeteria. Above all the man stood for kindness.”
One of his students, senior Matthew Sanchez reflected on the discussion saying, “I think this gave me more perspective on the day. Mr. Kennedy’s talk really deepened my understanding of the importance of the day.”
As the country enjoys a day off, Kellenberg urges its students to remember the important legacy of a compassionate, understanding, historical leader.
Dr. King’s message of love and equality deserves a spot in all teaching environments.