Palmer Trinity School

bird's eye view Martin Luther King III Speaks at Palmer Trinity School Story and photographs by: Daniel Mutter Palmer Trinity School campus buzzed with excitement Wednesday, January 30 over a visit by the son of legendary civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. Students, faculty and staff gathered in the Palmer Trinity gym for a special convocation hosted by Keynote Speaker Martin Luther King III. Keynote Speaker Martin Luther King III began by asking all of the students to stand up and repeat after him: "Spread the word, have you heard, all across the nation, we are going to be a great generation." He went on to give a powerful speech about the importance of unity and making a difference in the community. "I want people to come to a conclusion where you know what, I may not agree with you but I appreciate the fact that we can dialogue, that we can exchange ideas, that ultimately we will find out that we have far more in common than we do apart," said King. "All of us have to decide what is it that we are going to do to try to make a difference on this planet." "What we're trying to do here at Palmer Trinity is educate the whole student, and diversity is a big part of that." The event kicked off with an inspiring speech by Middle School Speaker Ethan Hill '17. In his speech, Hill focused on the significance of personal action. "Sometimes it's the little things in life that make all the difference," Hill said. "Residence is not dictated by fame or by fortune but by the personal character of that single individual—who you are and what you stand for." Hill was followed by a performance by the Palmer Trinity Upper School Choir led by Performing Arts Chair Tim Lester. Choir members gave a powerful performance of "I Am His Child" by Moses Hogan. Upper School Speaker Hallie Parten '14 followed with a speech on the value of community service. "There are so many things that you can do to make our world a better place, you can help out with the elderly, your classmates or in your neighborhood," said Parten. "Small acts of kindness can be tremendously powerful. Remember, our world is real and each of us has the power, the power of one." 34 Convocation concluded with Assistant Head of School Bruce Musgrave, who awarded King with a two part gift. The first part—a crystal base—was inscribed with Margaret Meade's words: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it's the only thing that ever has." The second part of the gift was a decorative solar powered globe. "Because of solar power the globe will spin perpetually, it's the power of the sun," said Musgrave. "Well, the inward indwelling spirit that you've infused in us from your father ensures that the actions of another son will keep this world spinning, we need your actions."

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