On Monday, students and staff at Greeley West High School and across the country will have the day off in remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr., a civil rights activist in the 1960s. 

Remembered for his great achievements, non-violent protests, and speeches during the civil rights movement, January 17th is used as a day to look back and honor his great achievements and things he did to try and conquer segregation in the United States. 

At Greeley West, students and staff do many things to remember Dr. King’s legacy and make sure it lives and flourishes in the building. Mrs. Lea Sanford, history teacher at Greeley West, said, “One of my favorite traditions is to meet at UNC and march to downtown Greeley. We sing songs, talk about Dr. King’s legacy, and listen to speakers.” 

Not only are staff using the day to remember Dr. King but so are students around Greeley West. Mushie Philips, a senior at Greeley West, said “I will compare the movements from the 1960’s to today and see how far we have come as a society since Dr. King’s legacy.”

Though many use it as a day to relax before the busy work week others see it as an opportunity to celebrate his legacy and reflect on what he did then that compares to society now. 

Martin Luther King Jr. did many great things for the United States throughout the 1960s and his legacy lives on well in the minds of students and staff at Greeley West High School.