Jan. 4, 2005 – The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas will again observe Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday with a special service honoring seven high school students whose lives exemplify Dr. King's teachings.
The ceremony will be part of the Jan. 14 Erev Shabbat service, which begins at 6:30 p.m. Rabbi David Saperstein will be the guest speaker. The public is invited to the service and to the special Oneg Shabbat at Lilienfeld House afterwards.
The seven students to be honored are Clytie Brown of Charlotte Amalie High School, Chantel Z. Greene of Wesleyan Academy, Cassadie Peterson of Antilles School, Alejandro Quetel of Seventh-Day Adventist School, Monica S. Scott of All Saints Cathedral School, Arturo R. Watlington III of Sts. Peter and Paul School, and Derecia Wilson of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School.
The seven were nominated for the award by their principals or guidance counselors. In addition to the recognition, the students will receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond and a special book, "Shared Dreams, Martin Luther King and the Jewish Community."
Rabbi Saperstein is a lawyer, as well as a rabbi, and is the director of the Religious Action Center of the Union for Reform Judaism. He is an outspoken champion of human rights and regularly speaks out on many of the social issues facing our world. A dynamic speaker, he offers a powerful message.