Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Pelham Union Free School District. The Pelham Examiner publishes press releases in the form received as a service to the community.

Congratulations to eight PMHS seniors’ whose essays and/or artwork reflecting the teaching of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are being showcased as part of a New York State Education Department virtual exhibit. The students submitted their original work illustrating Dr. King’s Six Principles and Steps of Nonviolence and celebrating Dr. King’s birthday.

Please visit the Empire State Plaza website to see the work of the following students:

• Sean Condon
• Grace Dunhill
• Alexandra (Sasha) Fair
• Christopher Franchini
• Theodore Johnson III
• Luke Liaskos
• Julianna Lieggi
• Ellie Soderberg

The purpose of the exhibit is to:

• To understand that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day commemorates the birthday of Dr. King and reminds all Americans of his dreams and goals for this nation
• To have the opportunity to take part in the celebration of Dr. King’s birthday
• To reflect on ways to celebrate Dr. King’s birthday and legacy in everyday life
• To have the opportunity to learn about the social, political and economic factors that contributed to the civil rights movement
• To learn about the philosophy of nonviolence as practiced by Dr. King and to understand its relevance for today’s society
• To appreciate and respect the contributions and rights of others without regard to the similarities or differences they may present