“May his dream live forever — Let’s learn from yesterday, live for today and pray for tomorrow.”
Several events over the holiday weekend highlighted the leadership of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the civil rights movement. On Saturday night, the Image Awards banquet celebrated local leaders, and on Monday, designated Martin Luther King Day, a prayer service was held on the steps of the Attala County courthouse. That was followed by a Commemoration Birthday Celebration at the Oprah Winfrey Boys & Girls Club.
Lighthouse Award winners at the Image Awards banquet included Elizabeth Perteet, the county’s 911 coordinator, who was recognized for community service. Cory Guyton, coach of the Kosciusko girls basektball team, was selected for his efforts in education. Billy Coffee, who was recently elected to the Attala County Board of Supervisors representing District 2, was recognized as a political leader. Luther Bell was selected for leadership in the area of Health and Wellness.
Despite temperatures in the mid-20s, a few dozen people gathered on the courthouse stairs for Monday’s prayer service, which included a scripture reading, a prayer and two musical selections from the Wesley United Methodist Church Youth Choir.
A police escort accompanied the group to the Oprah Winfrey Boys & Girls Club, where the gym quickly filled. In addition to musical selections from the Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Choir, the winners of the annual essay and poster contests were awarded.
Winners are as follows:
Pre-K- first place Timothy McGeee; second place Jayceon Greer.
K and First Grade - first place Austin Harmon; second place Kyeln Mayers.
Second and Third Grades - first place NeVaeh Teague; second place Quindarius Holmon
Fourth and Fifth Grades - first place Cody Malone; second place Aamiya Edwards
Sixth through Eighth Grades - first place Kevarrion Greenwood; second place Ny’Mia Cobbins
Ninth through Eleventh Grades - first place Marcus Ball; second place Arrissa Olive
Twelfth Grade and $500 scholarship winner - Ta’Lynda Boyd.
Essay winner Ta’Lynda Boyd, who was awarded a $500 scholarship, read her winning essay before guest speaker Donald Speed, a local native now living in California, urged those present to avoid complacency and continue to work toward attaining Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream.
