Staff, Students in ISD 728 Schools Honored with MLK Humanitarian Awards at February Event

Rogers Middle School, Prairie View Middle School and Rogers High School's Diggn' Diversity and Essence Clubs presented a special program for the 2nd Annual Martin Luther King Awards at each building earlier this February, which is Black History Month. 

The clubs at each building honored students, staff and one special District award-winner for embodying what it means to lead with kindness, courage and making sure students and peers feel respected and included. 

The program, which featured musical performances from Minister Al Smith and a keynote address from Debra Leigh, was an opportunity to celebrate and recognize community members as well, honoring them for their work to help create inclusivity and the District's mission to empower all students. 

All three school clubs honored Ms. Yuko Larson with the MLK Legacy Award. Ms. Yuko is a student support specialist and is a longtime educator of cultures, traditions and history for students at the middle school level. 

"Her work has strengthened our community, and created opportunities for others to lead, grow and be heard," said Diggin Diversity students at Prairie View Middle School. "She has created a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations to serve with purpose and courage." 

Rogers High School's student groups honored student Deborah Ojeriakhi, staff member Tom Olson and Legacy Award winner Allsion Guggisberg. 

Deborah is one of the original members of the schools Diggin' Diversity program, and a friend to many at RHS. She was honored for her leadership and commitment to social equity. 

Mr. Olson is a government teacher and advisor of the Youth in Government program at Rogers High School. 

Ms. Guggisberg is an advisor and teacher as well, leading the charge for the Diggin' Diversity program, which encourages friendship, action and camaraderie among diverse students at Rogers HIgh. 

At Prairie View Middle School, staff member Celia Chamberlain - multilingual learning teacher - earned the staff award, while students SHeila Orina and Dara Ogundare were honored for their work and leadership. 

PVMS also honored Deputy Shane Hegarty, the buildings' School Resource Officer, for his efforts to build community and lead discussions around student safety and belonging. 

 Rogers Middle School honored staff member Kailin Beck for her leadership in embracing differences and "standing up for what is right." 

"She doesn't just talk about fairness - she lives it by making sure all of her students feel seen, respected and included," the club stated in their award presentation. 

Student award winners were Salma Aden and Riley Schneweis. The club's award presentation recognized Salma for her "true spirit of compassion, leadership and service this award represents;" and Riley for being someone who is able to stand up for what is right when he sees leadership is needed. 

Rogers High's Diggin Diversity program was represented at is program by students Itiya Bernard, Jamesetta Jallah, Samara Ireri, Kalyna Lee, Sifan Nagassa, Brendalyn Azah, Deborah Ojeriakhi, Laura Campbell, Ayelen Soto Adolfo, Haja Fofana, Chelsea Shedrick, Jocelyn Roberts, Hanna Jones, Fatima Agboola. 

From upper left: The RHS Diggin Diversity program members post with award winners Allison Guggisberg, Deborah Ojeriakhi and Tom Olson (holding certificates). The Prairie View Middle School MLK Award winners - Sheila Orina, Yuko Larson, Dare Ogundare, Ms. Celia Chamberlain and Deputy Shane Hegarty pose with program leaders Al Smith and Debra Leigh. Above, RMS winners Salma Aden and Riley Schneweis join Larson.