As a way to honor civil rights leader Martin Luther King Junior, students and staff members at Wea Ridge Middle School held a “Million Steps for Martin” event. PE/Health teacher Lori VanArsdel says the school’s INtegrate (wellness) team planned the event as a way for everyone to take steps toward MLK’s commitment to peace and justice. This year’s theme is “Together We Can be the Dream.” “This is one way our entire school can come together and walk toward one goal,” says VanArsdel.

About 700 students and 50 staff members walked through the hallways making a complete loop around the inside of the school four times to reach the step goal.

“I am hoping that staff and students are reminded that although we are all different, we can all come together to raise consciousness of equality not only in our school, but in our nation,” says VanArsdel. “I hope that by walking and listening to his speech, they will remember those people that marched for the civil rights of everyone.”