The GA community joined Americans across the country in celebrating and honoring the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on this federal holiday - Monday, January 21. Like the many Americans who will remember and memorialize Dr. King by participating in service projects in their communities, the GA community also participated in a day of service, making the holiday "A day ON, not a day OFF."

The annual event, co-sponsored by the Parents' Committee and the all-school Community Service Organization (CSO), was another success. More than 100 students, parents and faculty members began the morning watching Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech in the Honickman Auditorium, led by parent Pam Thorpe, before moving to the Dining and Common Rooms to participate in a plethora of activities to help those less fortunate in the surrounding communities of GA.

Activities included braided cat and dog toy making for Home at Last Dog Rescue, PAWS and Cats Bridge to Rescue, peace and smile boxes with markers, crayons and coloring books for children at area hospitals, care packages for the homeless at organizations like The Steven Kline Wellness Center and Manna on Main, sorting donated clothing for Cradles to Crayons and Mattie Dixon Cupboard, and infant clothing for the Baby Bureau.

"This is always a great event to come out with my kids and support the lasting legacy of MLK Jr.," said GA parent Dana DiSandro. "The chairs do a great job of putting the projects together and I know that the service agencies these activities support are truly grateful for our help. It's a win-win for everyone involved."

Special thanks go out to chairs Genie Hill, Christy Galloway, Grace Parker, Erin Von Zuben, and Anthony Commale, as well as the many parent volunteers who helped keep the morning moving smoothly. Can't wait til next year!