LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — The fifth annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service Youth Summit was held on January 9 at SUNY Sullivan. Over 200 Sullivan County high school students, school faculty and nonprofit organizational leaders attended.

The day kicked off with a screening of “Blueprint for Life,” the famous Dr. King speech that focuses on the principles of belief in oneself, determination and commitment to succeed. 

Students participated in workshops in which they analyzed various MLK quotes and how those quotes apply to themselves and their communities. Students also took part in activities and networking “to open their minds and hearts to greater service for themselves, their schools and their communities,” a spokesperson said. 

Several students from My Brother’s Keeper programs at Monticello and Fallsburg High School served in key roles during the Summit, including as the master of ceremonies, and providing music and poetry. These students were Tobias Brown Jr., Julian Young, Anthony Ortiz, Evianne Beker-McBride, Marilyn Santos, Azon Laurel and Carmen Monto Velasco. 

Dr. John Gaines gave the keynote, reminding the audience that legacy is not what we leave for people, but rather legacy is what we leave in people. Also known as “Push” Gaines, he is a former at-risk foster kid turned youth advocate, author, NCAA football champion and motivational speaker. Dr. Gaines tells his story on television and at universities, nonprofit organizations, youth conferences, NBA skill camps, churches and schools. He has worked with NBA athletes, Congress, educators, coaches and mental health professionals. 

The participants carried back to their schools an idea and inspiration for a service project they can implement. Each participant was also gifted the young adult version of the Pulitzer-prize winning book “King: A Life,” made possible by Action Toward Independence Inc. Students also received a commemorative sweatshirt. 

“The Center for Discovery is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s Fifth Annual MLK Day of Service Youth Summit as we believe in the power of young people to care for others and change the world,” said Amanda Ward, chief of the center’s Division of People, Operations and Educational Sustainability.

“What amazes me most, in this fifth year of the MLK Day of Service Youth Summit, is the growing number of organizations and community partners involved each year,” said Amanda Langseder, senior director of prevention programming at Sullivan 180. “These partners come back year after year to make sure young people are reminded of the power of their voice and that they, indeed, have the ability to change the world.”

The summit was presented by The Center for Discovery and hosted by SUNY Sullivan. The event was partially funded by Sullivan County and the Office of Children and Family Services through the Sullivan County Youth Bureau. Additional funding was provided by NYSEG and Sullivan 180. In addition to funding support, Summit partners include Action Toward Independence, Bethel Woods Center For The Arts, Choosing Happy 365, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan, My Brother’s Keeper, NAACP Sullivan County 2187-B, SALT (Sullivan Allies Leading Together), Sullivan County Human Rights Commission, Sullivan County Public Health, Sullivan County Workforce Development and Tobacco Free Action Communities.

Learn more at www.Sullivan180.org or www.Facebook.com/Sullivan180inc.