“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” Those words of Martin Luther King Jr. were the driving theme of Wheeler High School’s Humanitarian Award Celebration.

Each year, Wheeler honors those in the Wheeler community who best exemplify the ideals embraced by Dr. King through character and leadership.

East Cobb Middle School 8th grader Brooklyn King was recognized with the Early Leader Award for her work as an inaugural member of her school’s Go Baby Go team. As part of the team, she modified ride-on vehicles for students with limited mobility who attend Cobb pre-k programs. Brooklyn also helped raise funds and awareness about the Go Baby Go team. Plus, the student-athlete serves as a leader on and off the volleyball court. 

The Wheeler senior who was honored with the Emerging Leader Award is described as an unspoken hero who would make Dr. King proud. Senior Dini Monikandan devotes herself to others just like Dr. King did, working to create opportunities for those who could have never imagined receiving them. The magnet student spends her time leading an empowerment program for underprivileged rural girls in Tamil Nadu, India. She continually works to serve her local community and her community back at home in Tamil by improving opportunities for women in STEM, helping with the needs of the local community, and looking for other ways to volunteer and give back. 

Students were not the only honorees. Students cheered as CTAE teacher Will Dezern made his way to the stage to accept the MLK Jr. Humanitarian Award. Mr. Dezern creates many opportunities that allow Wheeler students to express themselves creatively and show their ability to be of great service to the outside community. He has helped establish a few programs that teach students the importance of giving back. The soft-spoken educator encourages his students to be proud of their own and to show it through the medium of agriculture and resources for others.

The Community MLK Jr. Humanitarian Award recognized the work of Grant Alsbrook, who supports Wheeler’s athletic programs, especially football, by providing character education lessons, organizing peer leadership groups, and being one of the players’ biggest encouragers throughout all situations. He has shared his story with players, provided platforms for them to interact with one another through social events, and has become a valuable member of the Wheeler Wildcat High School Community. Whatever the students at Wheeler need, he is willing to jump in and help. There is no task that is too big or small for this individual. Mr. Alsbrook can be seen serving meals, assisting with film duties at Friday night football games, or encouraging student-athletes to be the best they can be. That is why he is such a true asset to the Wildcat Community.

In addition to recognizing Wheeler’s standout humanitarians, the celebration included inspiring student and staff tributes to Dr. King, reinforcing his message “to keep moving forward” no matter what.

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” rang out in a joint performance of the Wheeler chorus and students from neighboring Eastvalley Elementary School.

The stands of the Wheeler arena lit up with applause and lights as Wheeler student Senria Nath sang “When You Believe.” The Wheeler orchestra and teacher Nicholas Morrett also presented an inspiring performance of “The Impossible Dream.”

The celebration again erupted with the Stomp the Yard performance by Zeta Gamma Rho and Malachi Maxey’s spoken word presentation. 

The event culminated in a student-produced video tribute to Dr. King.