body
A celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was held at Mitchell Community College. Rev. Walter Wagener, a retired Methodist minister, was the guest speaker. In 1965, while serving as a campus minister at the University of Wisconsin, Wagener marched with Dr. King in Chicago to help end segregation in the schools. The program included a poetry reading by student David Henson and a solo by student Kateaka Brown.
The 19th Annual Viola Kimbrough-Parker Diversity Awards were presented during the program. The awards recognize a Mitchell student, a Mitchell employee and a community member who have made a difference in promoting diversity in Iredell County. Kimbrough-Parker was a former long-time college employee who contributed to the spread of diversity at Mitchell.
Darin Aldridge received the Student Award. Aldridge is an enthusiastic advocate of and activist for cultural diversity and inclusion on campus and in the community. He plays a leadership role with the SGA and Phi Theta Kappa and currently serves as president of the Human Services Club. Aldridge volunteers with numerous agencies including Fifth Street Ministries, United Way of Iredell County, Habitat for Humanity, Yokefellow Ministries, and the Iredell Christian Mission.
Marcella James received the Employee Award. James is known for her kindness and respect for others and works to provide an environment that is comfortable and conducive to learning. She frequently offers students words of encouragement and praise. Each year the nursing graduates recognize James at the pinning ceremony because they have developed a special bond with her during their two years in the nursing program.
Isabelle Plyler received the Community Award. Plyer is the English as a second language teacher at East Iredell Elementary School where she celebrates diversity each day. The theme of her classroom is “Many Cultures, One Future!” While teaching her diverse students English proficiency, she gives them the opportunity to celebrate their heritage. Each year she hosts a Diversity Night where international food is served and the students display their native flags and wear their national dress.