This month, middle and upper school students gathered at a special assembly to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The assembly opened with remarks from Director of Equity & Inclusion Shanelle Henry, who challenged the community to reflect on how Dr. King’s past is inseparable from our present. Students Benjamin ’30 and Brendan ’28 brought this idea to life by sharing stories of Dr. King’s teenage summers in Simsbury, where he worked on a tobacco farm, encountered integrated communities for the first time, and began to form a sense of purpose that would guide his life’s work. Their reflections underscored a powerful truth: Dr. King was not only a historical figure, but also a young person shaped by formative experiences, many of them close to home. “The past is never dead. It's not even past. The past lives on within us, influencing our actions and experiences, serving as a reminder of how deeply woven our present is with the threads of what came before.” - William Faulkner
Head of School Bob Whelan built on these themes, emphasizing that purpose is not abstract or distant, but something we cultivate together, every day. He highlighted how GFA students practice this through sustained effort and commitment—like preparing for performances, supporting one another, and engaging in service that strengthens both the school and the broader community. Drawing parallels between Dr. King’s choices and the decisions students make daily, he reinforced the idea that character is shaped through action.
The orchestra and choir echoed this message with a moving rendition of “We Shall Overcome,” and then students spoke directly to how Dr. King’s vision informs action at GFA today. Members of the Middle School Community Service Club and Upper School Making a Difference (MAD) Club shared their work on local initiatives—from food drives and robotics projects to partnerships with organizations supporting immigrants and under-resourced communities. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to service that is sustained, thoughtful, and impactful. As Dr. King himself asked, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is this: what are you doing for others?”
The assembly served as a reminder that Dr. King’s legacy is not confined to history books or commemorative days. It lives on in the everyday choices our students make, to lead with empathy, to serve with intention, and to contribute meaningfully to their communities. At GFA, this work is ongoing, collective, and essential to who we are.