Burlington Review

More than three dozen Evesham students, residents and local and Burlington County officials gathered Monday to pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by holding group discussions about important social issues, including community involvement, wealth and equity, mental health, addiction and bullying.

The discussions were held during Evesham Township's first Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast at the Gibson House Community Center and was organized by the Evesham Township Youth Advisory Committee, a collection of middle and high school students interested in politics, government and community service.

The event was led by Youth Advisory Committee President Ethan Verrone and Evesham Township Councilwoman Heather Cooper, who is the council liaison to the youth committee, and gave the students the chance to interact and provide input on important topics and issues impacting Evesham and Burlington County. Among the participating officials were Burlington County Commissioner Dan O’Connell, Commissioner Allison Eckel, Mayor Jackie Veasy, Cooper, Councilman Eddie Freeman and Councilwoman Ginamarie Espinoza.

Burlington County First Assistant Prosecutor Brenda Román Maneri and Evesham Police Chief Walt Miller also participated along with Evesham Superintendent of Schools Dr. Justin Smith and other local officials and leaders.

Shelja Touri and Rann Miller, leaders with the DEON- Diversity Equal Opportunity Network Inc., were the guest speakers at the breakfast.

It was an inspiring morning that used Dr. King’s teachings to encourage the assembled youth to challenge themselves and remain engaged with their government and communities.

Original source can be found here.