This year, Oak Grove’s Martin Luther King, Jr. all-school assembly provided a thoughtful moment for our community to reflect on the values Dr. King championed: unity, progress, and shared responsibility.

As we started the new semester and calendar year, this gathering served as a reminder of the importance of connection and collaboration within and beyond our school. Students and staff divided into our Lizard groups to work on art projects inspired by themes of hope, togetherness, and thoughtfulness.

These creations were displayed as part of Ojai’s 25th annual MLK Day celebration, organized by the Ojai Valley Youth Foundation, at the Libbey Park Fountain and are now showcased in the Main House. Some groups crafted origami hearts inscribed with warm messages of hope and love, which were distributed at the event to spread positivity.

On a beautiful day in Ojai, the community came together to celebrate with performances, speeches, and student-created artwork from local schools, including Oak Grove. One of the highlights was Isla, an Oak Grove third-grader, who delivered a thoughtful recitation of Amanda Gorman’s “The Hill We Climb.” Isla also gave a speech reflecting on the poem’s meaning and introduced the candlelight-inspired artwork created by third and fourth graders.

Another standout moment was a speech by Sequoia, a sixth-grader, whose powerful words resonated deeply with Dr. King’s message of change and progress. Additionally, sixth graders Harper, Eloise, and Sequoia contributed artwork that was displayed for the community to enjoy.

Preschool and Kindergarten students added a special touch to the day with a heartfelt sing-along that brought smiles to all in attendance. After distributing handmade community songbooks, children led the group in singing and signing protest and peace songs originally written, adapted, and sung during the civil rights movement.

The MLK Day celebration was a beautiful reminder of the values we share as a community, with Oak Grove students and families coming together alongside others to honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy. The thoughtful speeches, art, and performances offered by our students showcased the spirit of unity and hope that continues to inspire us all.