Hebrew Congregation to honor eight students who exemplify MLK’s spirit

ST. THOMAS — Sharing themes of belonging, combating racism and mental health to education, eight students from across the St. Thomas-St. John District will present their essays honoring the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 6 tonight at the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas.

The students, nominated by their schools, will appear during an award ceremony recognizing the slain civil rights leader’s values. The evening’s honorees are Saba Gever Alemu of Antilles School; Temple-Ahrie Holly Baptiste of St. Thomas-St. John Seventh-day Adventist School; Laila Carter of Charlotte Amalie High School; Jessica Joshi of Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic School; Helova Mathurin of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School; Nadjah Jn Phillip of Gifft Hill School; Stanley Trotman of Peter Gruber International Academy and Yazmeen Turner of All Saints Cathedral School. Each will receive $500 in scholarship funding.

Rabbi Julia Margolis told The Daily News that the scholarship is meant to celebrate and perpetuate King’s legacy of justice, equality and inclusion. Back in November, the Hebrew Congregation reached out to the schools to solicit nominations for the annual awards ceremony.