(Patrick D. Rosso/Boston.com/2012)
Students at BC High taking part in the school's first ever interfaith service to honor Dr. Martin Luther King.
Boston College High School held its first interfaith service today to honor Dr. Martin Luther King.
The service included a speech from Dr. Reverend Roy Hammond and encouraged students and faculty to look at their own lives and find ways to live the way King would have.
“We think this is an extremely valuable lesson for our students, and we wanted to open it up to all students,” said Nick Puleo, director of communications for BC High.
The school traditionally holds a mass to honor the late civil rights leader, but this year they decided to include all students and faculty to further King’s message.
“We wanted to share the spirit of Martin Luther King with the whole school,” said Barbara O’Brien — Miller, director of diversity for BC High. “We thought the school doesn’t get to hear that message often enough.”
Along with singing and a traditional service, students including those from Protestant and Muslim backgrounds stood before the audience and testified about who they find strength in and how they will lead a life in the spirit of King’s message.
“He’s an international figure and really lived the message of equality and human rights,” said Yousif Hanna, a senior at BC High and immigrant from Iraq. “As an Iraqi I am happy to be part of a community that is open to all faiths and messages.”
John Frazer, a junior who was born in Belize, also found that King’s message was universal.
“I’ve always found him very inspiring,” Frazer said. “He saw the best in all people no matter their race or faith.”
Although this was the first year that the Catholic high school held an interfaith service, it is something that organizers and administrators will hope, like King’s message will continue to inspire.
Email Patrick D. Rosso, patrick.d.rosso@gmail.com. Follow him @PDRosso, or friend him on Facebook.