South Orangetown Central School District

This week, sixth graders have been creating artwork inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and displaying them throughout the hallways of South Orangetown Middle School in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Sixth grade English Language Arts teachers first began an art project inspired by the words of King for their classes a few years ago. For this project, students have to read or listen to the infamous speech and select quotes that resonate with them. From there, they searched online to learn more about his life and for photos of him. 

Students then had to create an original piece of artwork inspired by the meaningful quote they selected from the speech. “I really like seeing how the students interpret the speech through their art. By displaying their work throughout the school, the project allows us to broaden the horizons of who we touch with the important messages that the speech conveys,” said SOMS ELA teacher Morgan Harris.

Student with finished artwork inspired by Martin Luther King