The City of Springfield’s 33rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon is a sold-out event this year.
The luncheon will be held Friday, January 16 at 11:30 a.m. in the Grand Hall of the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center, 275 South Limestone Street.
Students from 11 local schools will be recognized as Peace Makers for their abilities to resolve conflict and emerge as leaders.
“The students are recognized through their teachers, counselors or staff at the high schools,” said Corey Holliday, director of Community Outreach for Clark State. “The accomplishments range from national merit scholars, Bill Gates scholars, Mr. John (Stephens) Legend, to the local guy in a high school that is just a good person.”
Clark State and the City of Springfield started the program in the 1980s. Each Peace Maker is nominated for the award and a committee of representatives from Clark State, the City of Springfield and Wittenberg University determines the recipients.
Holliday said it is an honor for the students, and he calls the collaboration a “true partnership.” “I enjoy working on this committee, and we work year round to make this happen,” he said.
Three local businesses will also be recognized at the event, and Perrin Woods Elementary School will be awarded for their Outstanding Creative Youth Program: “Perrin Woods 21st Century Community Learning Center Creative After School Program.”
Special guest Shirley Murdock will also attend the luncheon. Murdock hails from Toledo, Ohio, and is an R & B/Gospel singer and songwriter. Her accomplishments include a gold-selling debut LP. Her first hit, "No More," stormed the dance charts and the ballad "As We Lay" went to No. 5 on the Billboard R&B singles chart.
In 2007 Murdock joined the Tyscot Records family and released her acclaimed CD “Soul Food,” which featured the Dove Award nominated song, “I Love Me Better Than That.” Over the years, Murdock has also starred in a number of stage plays and films.