The event began three years ago when the high school history department decided more could be done to honor MLK’s prolific legacy and draw awareness to local heroes in the school and community.

Social Studies teacher Kevin Zupin serves on the committee that organizes and executes the event. “Our department wanted to honor MLK’s legacy of making the world a better place in an engaging way that was unique to our school,” said Zupin.

“Social Studies teacher Patrick Schuttrow came up with the idea to honor MLK’s values by drawing attention to those individuals in our community who exhibit and embody the traits MLK lived every day," Zupin added. "We built a program around his vision. I’ve been an educator for 30 years and that’s taught me there are always those willing to do the right thing, who go the extra mile to be kind or inspire change. Those are the individuals we wanted to honor.”

Honored with MLK awards were (front, l-r) Delia Myers with comfort dog Jethro, Jada Collins, Adrienne Niewiadomski, Jillian Brumm, Mia Collins and Claire Stout; and (back) Karen Butler, Tammy Halleck, Jeremy Wegner, Taylor White and Jeff Beach.

Those honored at this year’s convocation included:

For Dignity:Senior Adrienne Niewiadomski and Agricultural Science Teacher Mrs. Tammy Halleck.

Adrienne was selected because she does every job with quality. Whether in class, in drama or working the concession stand in the town park, Adrienne is poised at all times and treats others with respect. She is a quiet leader who is respectful and kind to all.

Mrs. Halleck was selected because she gives all students an opportunity to do projects and hands on learning. She has a quiet, but firm way of leading students to make good decisions, motivating all students and getting every student to realize their value. In addition, Mrs. Halleck is a leader on the school staff, guiding many projects, activities and events from behind the scenes.

For Justice:Senior Mia Collins and Family and Consumer Science Teacher Mrs. Taylor White.

Mia was selected for her strong sense of justice. She is not afraid to stand up for what she believes is right. She will voice her opinion and fight for her peers who cannot speak up. She understands what is right and does not care if it is a popular decision. She gives of her time to help others so they, too, can succeed. She makes a positive impact on those around her.

Mrs. White was selected for taking a leadership role at school. She listens to the concerns of others and goes to bat for people who have been treated unfairly and works to change practices at school that are unjust. In addition, in her classroom she establishes rules that are fair, positive and uniformly enforced. Her actions have earned her the respect of her colleagues and her students.

For Courage:Senior Claire Stout and Middle School Social Studies Teacher Mr. Jeff Beach

Claire was selected for not letting anything keep her from taking on leadership roles with a positive and cheerful attitude. Even when faced with incredibly misfortune, Claire carries on and continues to move forward. She carries on with a positive attitude and a thankful spirit that tomorrow is another day.

Mr. Beach was selected for always showing maturity, compassion and courage. As an educator for 35 years, a basketball coach and a 20-year coach for the boys track team, he has led by example, putting others before himself. He models leadership that those in his care notice. Mr. Beach has coached teams to sectional titles in multiple sports, including his track team to five consecutive sectional titles. By caring about and nurturing his students and athletes he inspires them to believe in themselves and their abilities. Mr. Beach is a quiet force of courage and dignity whose actions inspire us all.

For Community:Senior Jillian Brumm and Math Teacher Mr. Jeremy Wegner

Jillian was selected because of her extensive, active involvement in clubs and athletic teams. She started a High-Five Fridays program in which the high schoolers provide the elementary students with a positive and energetic start to the school day. Jillian’s leadership has help unite our entire school corporation.

Mr. Wegner was selected because of the leadership roles he has taken on this school year to create a positive culture. He serves on the school leadership team working to find solutions and resolve issues. He was instrumental in not only getting the new monthly shout-out program going but also in organizing and bringing back a corporation-wide Christmas celebration for the staff. Mr. Wegner exemplifies the desire and time commitment it takes to make a community better.

For Sacrifice:Senior Jada Collins and Warrior Academy Director Mrs. Karen Butler.

Jada was selected for giving so much of her time and energy to serve on clubs and organizations at Winamac. She is thoughtful of others and works especially to help the underclassman fit in and find their role. She is the first to volunteer when something needs to be done and will make sure it is completed and done correctly.

Mrs. Karen Butler was selected for pouring her heart into making WCHS a better school through the Warrior Academy, Student Council, Student Advisory Sponsor and making the media center a welcoming environment for everyone. Mrs. Butler is often at the school on the weekends completing tasks that the students and staff will benefit from. Said one of the nominators, “For Mrs. Butler sacrifice is just a way of life.”

Special Award:

Jethro, a comfort dog, and his trainer, Delia Myers, were given a special award of thankfulness for the role they played in helping students heal during a recent tragic accident that involved our school and community.

"Walk in My Shoes"

This year’s event theme was "Walk in my Shoes." The program included a presentation by Letecia Timmel of Four County Counseling who spoke to the students about what it means to walk in someone else’s shoes.

In addition, media specialist and Warrior Academy director Karen Butler provided a PowerPoint presentation that showed clips of memorable times in history where people have displayed the virtues the program honors. Teacher Patrick Schuttrow also shared a clip of MLK’s Mountaintop Speech and put it into context for the students.

“Visiting the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, and visiting the Robert F. Kennedy/Dr. Martin Luther King Monument in Indianapolis have both had a profound effect on me," Schuttrow, a fellow event organizer, said. "I wanted our students to be able to experience that same inspiration and have the opportunity to celebrate Dr. King’s holiday the way that it was intended - as a day of service to others. Having the ability to point out examples of service to others reminds us that his dream is alive and we honor his legacy by continuing his journey.”

The high school choir, under the direction of Schuttrow, sang You Raise Me Up.

Students and staff will be creating a walkway through the school, composed of a pair of shoes from everyone in the high school, to celebrate the theme and remind everyone to "walk a mile in my shoes."

Winamac Community High School enrolls approximately 400 students who live in Winamac and surrounding areas of Pulaski County. The high school hopes to continue the program and honor staff  and students again in 2020.