7TH GRADER IS YOUNGEST TO RECEIVE LOCAL MLK AWARD For Toussaint Miller ‘21, Martin Luther King Day will always have a special significance, because he became the youngest person ever to receive the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award. The award is presented by The Cleveland Orchestra and Greater Cleveland Partnership, in cooperation with the City of Cleveland. Toussaint joins Judge Jean Murrell Capers and Congressman Louis Stokes (posthumously) as recipients of the 2016 award, which honors individuals who are positively impacting Cleveland in the spirit of the teachings and example of Dr. King. “I felt especially honored to share the stage with the memory of the works of Congressman Louis Stokes and the Honorable Jean Murrell Capers,” said Toussaint. “Being the youngest person in the history of this award, to receive this great honor makes it even more special for me. I am deeply humbled and inspired to continue the work of Dr. King’s Dream.” A group of local dignitaries, including Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, presented the awards at Severance Hall prior to an annual celebration concert honoring Dr. King. Toussaint, who dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon, was selected for his exemplary academic record and past involvement in the gifted and talented program at Chambers Elementary School. In 2015, he received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award from the Superintendent of the East Cleveland School District.
Toussaint Miller ‘21
Outside of academics, Toussaint is actively engaged in community service by sharing his musical talents on the piano, drums, and trumpet with residents at local nursing homes. He serves on a youth mentor advisory board and is an active member of the Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award is given to selected individuals who demonstrate one or more of the following qualities: promotion of social justice, promotion of diversity and inclusion, leadership in community building, advocacy for educational excellence, and involvement with music and the arts to promote greater understanding and acceptance.
JUNIOR HONORED AS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Justin Walton ’17 has been a busy volunteer! In August, out of 100 volunteers,Justin was named Montefiore Junior Volunteer of the Year for his “dedication, maturity, and responsibility.” Since the sixth grade he has served nursing home residents by helping in just about every area of the program, from cooking to bingo to transporting residents throughout the building. In addition to his volunteer work, Justin was selected to join the Cleveland Leadership Center program, Look Up To Cleveland Class of 2016. Justin Walton ’17
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