The City of Surprise commemorated the 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration and Service, highlighting a decade of community unity, justice, and service. The event featured performances, speeches from city leaders, and the announcement of the city's first MLK scholarship to honor Dr. King's legacy and inspire youth service.
The City of Surprise proudly marked a significant milestone by hosting its 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration and Service. This event has grown remarkably over the past decade, reflecting the community's dedication to honoring Dr. King's vision of justice, unity, and service.
Susan Casper, from Arizona's Family 3 TV, CBS 5, served as the mistress of ceremonies. She expressed her honor in returning to host the event and noted the growth from the early days when the celebration was held outdoors in cold weather to the current beautiful venue. She welcomed familiar and new faces, especially families and young attendees, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.
The event highlighted the presence of city leaders, including Mayor Kevin Sartor and Council Members Nick Haney and Patrick Duffy, whose participation underscores the city's commitment to Dr. King's legacy. The celebration was proudly presented by the City of Surprise with Cox Communications as the presenting sponsor, in partnership with Dysart Schools.
Supporting sponsors included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice, the Dr. Bruce Sowder Golden Rule Fund from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Surprise, APS, the local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahais of Surprise, Simplify Heating and Cooling, and Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers.
The program opened with the National Anthem performed by saxophonist Anthony Lloyd, whose soulful rendition set a reflective tone for the day. Following this, Sandra Bassett performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Black National Anthem. This song powerfully expressed themes of faith, resilience, and service, aligning with Dr. King's message.
Mayor Sartor shared his gratitude for living in such a vibrant community and reflected on the energy and unity felt during the event. He reminisced about the first celebration ten years ago, noting the growth and the move to a more accommodating venue. He reiterated the city's ongoing commitment to Dr. King's ideals of justice, unity, and service, encouraging everyone to embody these values.
Pastor Jason Flowers introduced two remarkable individuals, Mary Madlock-Outlaw and Paul Outlaw, who have dedicated years of service to the City of Surprise and its youth. Their commitment was recognized as they announced the establishment of the city's first-ever Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship.
Mary and Paul Outlaw detailed the scholarship's purpose: to select an outstanding candidate who demonstrates academic excellence and a strong commitment to service, embodying Dr. King's message that "everybody can be great because everybody can serve."
Applicants can apply online through the City of Surprise's official website. The application requires academic transcripts, letters of recommendation from schools and community leaders, future academic plans, and a personal reflection on how Dr. King's work influences their community contributions.
The scholarship represents a significant step in fostering youth engagement and continuing Dr. King's legacy within the community.
Susan Casper presented Mary and Paul Outlaw with flowers as a token of appreciation for their dedication and love for the community. Paul Outlaw emphasized the importance of serving one another out of love to live together in harmony, echoing Dr. King's vision.
The 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration and Service in the City of Surprise was a heartfelt tribute to a legacy of justice, unity, and service. Through inspiring performances, meaningful speeches, and the launch of a scholarship program, the community reaffirmed its commitment to building a better future inspired by Dr. King's enduring message.
This event not only celebrated past achievements but also laid the foundation for continued community growth and youth empowerment in the years to come.
