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Christian Hospital Foundation Presents Awards at MLK Celebration Luncheon
The Christian Hospital Foundation hosted its third annual “Embracing the Dream” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Luncheon on Friday, Jan. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The presenting sponsor was Centene Charitable Foundation and the Inspiration Partner sponsors were Christ the King United Church of Christ and St. Louis Community College Foundation.
The event was a celebration of inspiration, hope and healing. The Hon. Michael A. Battle, D. Min., was the keynote speaker; and Evangelist Mary Tillman, “Your” Radio Angel 95.5 FM, served as mistress of ceremonies. Scholarships were awarded at the celebration to the following students, who were selected by their school districts; and one nursing student selected from St. Louis Community College:
- Taylor Allen, Normandy Schools Collaborative
- Jasmine Bibby, Lutheran High School North
- Kennady Carter, Hazelwood School District
- Fatouma Sam, Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School
- Jayden Keys, Riverview Gardens School District
- Erynn McLemore Incarnate Word Academy
- Joe Oliverires, Trinity Catholic High School
- Serenatee Simpson, Jennings School District
- Kenila Webb, Ferguson-Florissant School District
- Ronnesha “Ronne” Smith, St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley
The Drum Major for Service Award was also presented at the celebration to honor the following unsung individuals who have given their time, talents and treasure in service of justice and equality:
- Lynn Beckwith Jr., ED.D.; Chair, Riverview Gardens School District Special Administrative Board; President, Saint Louis County Library Board of Trustees
- Rosemary Hanley; Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder The Little Bit Foundation
- Honorable Rev. Tommie Pierson Sr.; Mayor, Bellefontaine Neighbors; Pastor, Greater St. Mark Family Church; Former State Representative
- Honorable Betty Thompson; Former State Representative; Civil Rights Activist
- The Empowerment Network; Resource center for patients & families affected by prostate cancer
The award is inspired by words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. describing what he called the “Drum Major Instinct”:
“If you want to say I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice; say that I was a drum major for peace; I was a drum major for righteousness … We all have the drum major instinct.”
