In school, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of MLK’s speech, the kids read and were taught about it and then asked to write a letter to Dr. King.  A few weeks ago we were approached by his teacher letting us know that she had submitted Mason’s letter to be the one representing the school at the district level for a competition with the winners reading at a special celebration on the 23rd.  While we were on the cruise I got an email from his teacher, Mrs. James, letting us know that he was one of four kids selected from the school district as a “winner”.  I was very proud to read this email while on the boat, but I just read through what he wrote, as a copy was sent home, and I must say that win or lose I could never be more proud of him.

“Dear Dr. King,

I know how to keep your dream alive and the fiftieth anniversary, too.  We can help more people be nice.  We can help people if they are hurt.  We can help people be safer and have equal rights.  I will make a speech to the world like you.  I will go everywhere and make this speech.  I will help people in my school be a better person by telling them what is right and what is wrong.  I learn about you in school and that makes me feel powerful to help others.  Someday I might be like you.

Sincerely,

Mason Fricke”