After singing the first verse of “Amazing Grace,” Pastor Patrinell “Pat” Wright of the Total Experience Gospel Choir had some words of wisdom for the Kenmore Junior High students:

“Don’t be ashamed to sing it in front of your classmates. It will give you strength for the rest of your day — strength for the rest of your life.”

Students filled the gym grandstand last Friday to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr., a civil-rights activist who was assassinated April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tenn. Jan. 16 marked the annual day to celebrate his life and achievements.

Along with the soulful, Seattle-based choir, teacher Debbie Montague’s African drumming group performed and sang, and students read passages about King’s life in a darkened gym as some of their classmates held candles. When they read about King’s assassination, the candles were blown out.

The gym was left dark and solemn so the words could have maximum impact, said Assistant Principal Nancy Smith-Vela.

“Martin Luther King Jr. was someone who did amazing things in our world and changed things,” Principal Tim Gordon told the crowd. “He righted wrongs, but did it with non-violence. The legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. lives on today.”

Added Smith-Vela: “Martin Luther King Jr. represented something huge and right.”

Smith-Vela then asked students, “What can you do for others?” She encouraged them to start by saying hello to someone they don’t know and go from there.

Students Jack Crotteau, Dylan Mutal, Raven Mills and Jillian Thompson said that hearing about King’s life has had an impact on them.

“There’s a lot more out there than just you, and Martin Luther King kind of shows that,”  said Thompson, noting that it’s important to understand and reach out to others.