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January 18,2005

Mayor Cites Important Role of Youth in Preserving Rights Leader’s Legacy

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. saw America’s future in its children,” said Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. “He would be especially delighted by the words of wisdom we heard today from young Julia Tamburello.”

A 3 rd grader at Claremont Avenue School #20 in Colonia, Julia Tamburello is the author of the winning essay in Woodbridge Township’s annual school essay contest on the impact of Dr. King. She read the essay, “Keeping the Dream Alive”, to an appreciative audience at last weekend’s annual King commemoration at First Baptist Church in Sewaren.

The district-wide contest is sponsored by the Woodbridge Township Human Relations Committee, under the direction of Lieutenant Thomas “Skip” Garley of the Woodbridge Township Police Department. “Dr. King showed how powerful words can be,” noted Lt. Garley in his remarks introducing the reading. “Our contest pays homage to his eloquence and also gives today’s students a chance to reflect and express their own thoughts on his relevance in their world.”

Ms. Tamburello’s essay focused on the principle of non-violence, which provided the philosophical and tactical foundation of the Civil Rights movement and helped earn Dr. King the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize.

“Dr. King’s life and work shaped our nation’s conscience and destiny,” said Mayor Pelzman. “We are pleased the Commission and our schools are working diligently to maintain his legacy.”