January 21, 2026 — Wheeler High School students, staff, and community members gathered last Friday for the school’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. assembly, a powerful, student-centered celebration of service, leadership, and character rooted in Dr. King’s enduring legacy.
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The program featured musical performances, student leadership, and reflections that honored both Dr. King’s life and his lasting impact on future generations. This year’s program centered on the theme of integrity, reminding students that living Dr. King’s dream begins with everyday choices—doing what is right, even when no one is watching. Through student-led reflections, performances, and recognitions, the assembly highlighted how Cobb students are carrying that message forward in meaningful ways.
The assembly opened with a prelude by the Wheeler High School Orchestra, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the Wheeler/Walton Air Force JROTC and the national anthem. Students and guests then joined together for a stirring rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" by the WHS Chorus, setting a reflective, unified tone for the program.
Student leaders played a central role throughout the program, welcoming attendees and guiding the audience through the celebration. The event included a guest speaker presentation by NBA player Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, as well as special presentations, student-led tributes, and acknowledgements that underscored the importance of service, scholarship, and community.
A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the school’s Honoring the Dream Walkers Awards, which recognize students who exemplify Dr. King’s values through their actions, leadership, and commitment to others. The awards spanned multiple categories, honoring students at various grade levels and celebrating a wide range of contributions to the school and broader community.
Honoring the Dream Walkers Award Categories
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The Dream Leader Award recognizes a student who leads with vision, compassion, and purpose. Honorees demonstrate leadership grounded in service, unity, and the belief that positive change is always possible.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Integrity Award is presented to students at all levels and serves as the overall theme of this year’s celebration. It honors students who consistently choose what is right, even when no one is watching. Recipients exemplify honesty, responsibility, and strong moral character.
The Resilience and Determination Award recognizes a student who has overcome adversity with dignity, hope, and perseverance, reflecting Dr. King’s unwavering resolve in the face of challenges.
The Scholar of Excellence Award celebrates academic achievement paired with integrity and humility. This award honors a student who is committed to lifelong learning and excellence—qualities Dr. King modeled throughout his life.
The Community Uplift Award is given to a student who is actively engaged in service projects or initiatives that make a meaningful, measurable impact on the school or local community.
The Bridge Builder Award honors a student who brings people together. This award recognizes efforts to foster connection across diverse groups, encourage collaboration, and promote understanding within the school.
The Humanity and Compassion Award honors a student who consistently demonstrates empathy, kindness, and a genuine concern for others' well-being.
Throughout the assembly, speakers emphasized that Dr. King’s dream is not confined to history—it lives on through the actions of students who choose leadership over silence, compassion over indifference, and integrity over convenience. From musical performances to student presentations and award recognitions, the program reinforced the idea that integrity and service remain at the heart of meaningful leadership. Wheeler High School’s MLK Assembly served as both a celebration and a call to action, encouraging students to see themselves as today’s dream walkers—leaders who honor Dr. King’s legacy by uplifting others and strengthening their community every day.
