photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World photo

MLK Dreamer's Award recipient Steve Cadue raises his award aloft as he give his acceptance speech. Cadue was recognized for his work as an advocate for indigenous people and to incorporate indigenous curriculum in Lawrence Public Schools.

Students, staff and other community members were honored on Thursday at Lawrence Public Schools’ One Dream event, part of a week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day-related programs.

The annual event recognizes students, staff and other residents for their commitment to equity and their community with the MLK Heart of Service, Character, Dreamer’s and Champion of Equity Awards. Free State High School junior Wendo Kimori presided over this year’s event at the Lied Center. The event also included presentations from Lawrence students about King and other activists and a performance by the University of Kansas’ Asian Classical Music Initiative.

The following individuals were recognized as award winners Thursday night:

* MLK Heart of Service Award: Deerfield Elementary student Landry Wilson was the student recipient of the award and spoke about her love for service. Lawrence High ESL teacher Katie Hutchison was the staff recipient and was recognized for her dedication to educating herself about language and culture. Southwest Middle paraeducator Susan Miller was also nominated.

* MLK Character Award: Broken Arrow Elementary student Echo Deer was the elementary honoree and was recognized for connecting with peers, animals and nature. Lawrence High student Litzy Torres-Zepeda was the high school recipient and was recognized for serving as a positive role model and supporter to her peers. Hillcrest Elementary student Eli Kaul, Broken Arrow student Geovanni Juarez Hernandez and Lawrence High student Bianca Nieto were also nominated.

* MLK Dreamer’s Award: Free State students Shreya Bhakta and Anotida Chikanda were presented with the honor jointly in recognition of their efforts to establish a student equity council at the high school. Steve Cadue, a community advocate for Indigenous people, was the adult recipient and was honored for his efforts to implement Indigenous curriculum and learning in collaboration with the school district. Pinckney Elementary guidance counselor Eric Cheray and Lawrence High special education teacher Amy Laytimi were also nominated.

* MLK Champion of Equity Award: Danica Moore, the district’s first equity facilitator, was the staff recipient of the award. Moore said she was “honored and humbled” to receive the award and said it takes tough conversations and hard work to advance equity. Codi Charles, the founder of Haus of McCoy, a community hub for BIPOC queer and transgender youth, was the community recipient. District curriculum specialist Annette Kenoly and Lawrence High teacher Bee Hoffman were also nominated.

photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World photo

Prairie Park Elementary students were part of one of many performances and “Cultural Moments” interspersed throughout Thursday’s program.

photo by: Austin Hornbostel/Journal-World photo

Scale models of four historic churches in both Lawrence and Topeka — including the buildings’ full interiors — constructed out of Legos were on display before Thursday’s program, along with other community artists and work from Lawrence Public Schools students. Here, one model that was de-constructed so viewers could see inside is stacked back together.