Connecticut - Norwalk - Students at Ponus Ridge Middle School Participate in Interactive Program on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Presented by Power to Learn and History Channel
February 28, 2011
Norwalk, CT, February 28, 2011 - Social Studies students at Ponus Ridge Middle School today explored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through an interactive program offered by Power to Learn and HISTORY®. Also participating in the event were State Representative Bruce Morris and Rev. Lindsay E. Curtis, Immediate Past President of the Norwalk Branch of the NAACP, as well as HISTORY Historian Dr. Kimberly Gilmore. Following opening remarks, students viewed a clip of HISTORY's documentary film, KING, which showed how and why Dr. King became a catalyst for change and also examined the indelible mark he left on the nation and the world. The Ponus Chorus - led by Margaret Tomasiewicz - sang "Shine a Little Light" for the assembly, after which students made Power Point and poetry presentations relating to Dr. King and the civil rights movement. They then participated in a Q&A with Dr. Gilmore (via conference call) and attending officials.
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"I commend Cablevision's Power to Learn and HISTORY for delivering an innovative program that celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," said State Representative Morris. "As Director of Human Relations for the Norwalk Public Schools and as a parent, I'm reminded about the importance of students learning about iconic figures such as Dr. King. This not only gives them a greater insight into the endurance of the American spirit, but also helps broaden their perspective and social consciousness."
Rev. Curtis concurred, noting, "It's vital that students have a better understanding of role models such as Dr. King, an African-American who was a dominant force in the civil rights movement and one of the greatest figures in U.S. history. Today's program provided a terrific opportunity for students to appreciate this remarkable man and his many contributions to society."
Principal Linda Sumpter commented, "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Cablevision's Power to Learn and HISTORY for providing our schools with engaging educational material and the latest technology, enabling our students to participate in informative programs such as the one today dealing with diversity and civil rights."