Photo submitted to the Times Observer Mrs. Stoddard’s Second Grade students at Sheffield Elementary School display their “Dream” Medals last Wednesday in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

SHEFFIELD – Students recognized Martin Luther King Jr. recently in Mrs. Stoddard’s sGrade glass at Sheffield Elementary School.

The students were tasked with creating their own “Dream” Medals after discussing excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

“There are still so many important life lessons from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech and I was excited to see our students take time, in celebration of the holiday, to recognize them,” said Kylie Harris, Sheffield Elementary School Principal, who was asked by Mrs. Stoddard and the students to listen to students share their dreams. “The speech itself is about daring to dream, persevering through challenging times, and living life with a purpose.”

After reviewing portions of the speech that celebrated its 50-year anniversary last August, students then discussed their own dreams for the future of the world. Some examples students came up with were for people to stop littering, making sure there are enough animal shelters, an end to world hunger, and everyone treating others with kindness.

“Look at the “dreams” our students chose: they are thinking about a greater purpose and a “better life” for all: humans, animals, the environment,” said Harris. “Despite their age, they are thinking about causes greater than themselves. Though they are still so young, it is amazing to see so much hope for our future through their eyes and dreams. I hope they keep on dreaming and dreaming big.”