MLK Day: Standing on Principle and Finding Your “Perfect Fit”

On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Rivers community gathered to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with an assembly featuring guest speaker Col. Marshalee Clark, a former Boston resident and distinguished leader in the U.S. Marine Corps. While not speaking in an official military capacity, Col. Clark drew upon her impressive leadership experience to speak about Dr. King's legacy and inspiration, encouraging students to reflect on their purpose and embrace the importance of principled leadership and action.

The event began with a moment of silence, followed by student leaders from SHADES presenting a video biography about Dr. King, including his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech and his role in the Civil Rights Movement. One student aptly described Dr. King as a “champion of equality, justice, and human rights.” Col. Clark was introduced by her niece, Rivers student Katherine Shaw ’26, who spoke of Clark’s “strength and commitment as a mother, dreamer, and a believer,” noting her values of service, leadership, and growth. 

Col. Clark’s presentation focused on “standing on principle.” She talked about the 1963 Selma-to-Montgomery march, first asking students to consider the distance from Rivers to Providence, Rhode Island—about 51 miles. She then explained that Dr. King and 25,000 protestors marched 54 miles over five days in 96-degree heat to demand voting rights for Black Americans. (Aside from the perseverance required for this feat, Clark noted that the everyday footwear in 1963 was Converse sneakers, a reference to shoes forthcoming in the presentation.)

One key message from Col. Clark was the power of learning from others. She emphatically believes in seizing every opportunity to listen to those willing to share their life experiences—and to “pay attention.” Clark connected Dr. King’s life to other notable historical figures, including Gandhi, Rosa Parks, and John F. Kennedy, who either influenced Dr. King or whom he influenced. Despite Dr. King’s assassination at age 39, his inspirational legacy—how to identify and stand boldly with your purpose in life—endures.

As part of the assembly, Clark invited students to engage in a moment of self-reflection and create a goal for their future. (Each student wrote their goal down on paper or device.) Clark encouraged the students to take this moment seriously and consider their potential—and how individual actions can shape the future. “You are not just kids,” she said. “One of you will change the world. You just don’t know it yet. Dr. King didn’t know it, either.” 

Clark also discussed the role of technology in shaping the future. While devices are often seen as distractions, she urged students to use them for good. “You can use your device for the betterment of humankind,” she said.

Clark shared her story of pursuing neuroscience in college before discovering her true calling to the Marine Corps. “Find that thing that’s right for you,” she said. “Stand on principle. Fight for what you believe in.” Using a metaphor of shoes, Clark encouraged finding a perfect fit. She explained that much focus, time, and investment goes into choosing the right pair, emphasizing the importance of committing to the right path. She also encouraged growth and evolving over time: “Don’t stay in the same pair of shoes for too long,” she advised, having seen shoes too tight or someone unwilling to step into something new. “At some point, you need to progress to something else.”

Clark emphasized that life’s journey is filled with exciting and unpredictable intersections, stressing that finding one’s “perfect fit” often requires exploration. The journey to where Martin Luther King Jr. was able to deliver the “I Have Been to the Mountaintop” speech was a long one. He was an individual who was jailed 20 times, but he never gave up and left a lasting legacy. Clark encouraged focus on the journey rather than just the destination. “When you’re stuck, you are at an intersection, not a destination,” she said. Instead of focusing on the final goal or destination, Clark reminded students that the journey—experiences at Rivers, friendships, and opportunities—is where lasting and valuable memories are made. 

Following the assembly, Col. Clark engaged with smaller groups of students about their passions and shared a bit more about her experience, talking about what led her to military service, the importance of experiencing many different environments, and how interests like running and travel have helped her know what matters most in life.

The third Monday in January is a day to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a national service holiday, it is “a day on, not a day off.” Students and families are encouraged to independently explore the many volunteer opportunities that are available to the general public, including:

  1. Concord Museum MLK Day of Service 

Students can email Mr. Malo for more information about how they can take part in these service opportunities. As Dr. King said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing to serve others?’”
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