On Jan. 17, Clark State College will hold the 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon and Awards Ceremony from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center, 275 S. Limestone St. in Springfield. The community event honors the life and legacy of MLK and celebrates local youth and community members who exemplify his values.
“We invite the public to join us for an inspiring luncheon that will celebrate Dr. King’s enduring impact on our society,” said Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., Clark State president. “This is an opportunity to come together to celebrate youth and community.”
The event, hosted in partnership with City of Springfield, Park National Bank, Topre and Springfield Links, will feature the announcement of winners of prestigious awards including the Diversity and Inclusion Award which honors a Clark State employee who leads by example and is dedicated to meeting the needs of a diverse community. Through personal development, inclusive practices and forward-thinking approaches, the recipient embodies unity and empowerment, while inspiring others to create positive change in their communities.
The Diversity Champion Award, presented with the Greater Springfield Partnership, honors a community business that exemplifies commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The recipient actively cultivates a workplace where all individuals feel valued and empowered, fostering an environment in which diverse perspectives drive innovation and respect while also uplifting individuals and enriching the broader community.
The Hope Award recognizes a local organization whose unwavering commitment to service, empowerment and positive change has significantly impacted their community. Through innovative programs, compassionate outreach and dedicated efforts, the recipient of the Hope Award exemplifies the power of collaboration, providing hope and opportunity for a brighter future for all. The 2025 Hope Award recipient is Springfield Promise Neighborhood, an organization that works to empower communities to support the development of local youth. As a part of this award, during the event, there will be a collection for the educational supplies for students in kindergarten through eighth-grade.
The Peace Keeper Award, presented with CareSource, recognizes high school students who celebrate diversity and inclusion through their actions, possess leadership qualities to positively resolve conflict and exhibit team-building skills.
“Each day, these students, our future leaders, exemplify compassion by working to promote unity, equality and positive change within their communities,” said Khalil Scott, Clark State academic advisor and event committee member. “Their actions inspire us all and show that each of us has the power to make a difference.”
The 2025 Peace Keeper honorees are Karissa Allen, Emmanuel Christian Academy; Jason Perdue, Global Impact STEM Academy, Addelynn Ricketts, Greenon High School; Drew Fansler, Kenton Ridge High School; Kylie Locke, Northeastern High School; Gavin Imel, Northwestern High School; Maura Simpson, Shawnee High School; Kylie Corbitt, Southeastern High School; Xavier Baird, Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center; and Kylee Hampshire, Tecumseh High School. All students are high school seniors.
In addition to the awards, the luncheon will include a keynote address by Karen Townsend, Ph.D., an award-winning speaker, certified diversity educator and alumna of Kentucky State University, University of Dayton and Ohio State.
Attendance to the event is free but all attendees must pre-register at go.clarkstate.edu/mlk25/ by Jan. 10 as seating is limited. A buffet lunch will be provided.
Additional support for the event is provided by the Springfield Foundation.