By Walter Sorensen, Alcuin Head of School 

As we approach Martin Luther King Day, a time to stop and honor his accomplishments, I am reminded of his monumental legacy.

More than 50 years ago during the March on Washington, 250,000 people came together from all over the nation.  They gathered to hear Dr. King and other speakers and entertainers, including the gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, who were harbingers of change.

Included in this group was a rabbi who had been in Berlin under Hitler.  Joachim Prinz recalled his time as a rabbi in Berlin under Hitler. "A great people who had created a great civilization had become a nation of silent onlookers. They remained silent in the face of hate, in the face of brutality and in the face of mass murder," he said. "America must not become a nation of onlookers. America must not remain silent."

At the risk of his own life, Dr. King did not remain silent. His message from the podium was loud and clear.

This time of year I reflect upon that remarkable message. Here at Alcuin School we encourage and guide our children to embrace values Dr. King emphasized, including equality, importance of education, belief in oneself, leadership and community. We champion diversity of thought, open discussion, tolerance, and global citizenship.

These important attributes are the nucleus of our values, learned at the knee of Maria Montessori, and the foundation that makes us uniquely Alcuin. Like Dr. King, she was ahead of her time and had a hard road to follow. Thank goodness they both “had a dream."

About Alcuin School

A vibrant, nurturing, coeducational academic community serving students from toddler to 12th grade, Alcuin School uses the Montessori and International Baccalaureate program methods to foster critical thinking and a lifelong passion for learning. With faculty support, students at Alcuin School are eager to embrace change, question the status quo, and prepare for their future as leaders in a global society. For more information, please visit www.alcuinschool.org.