New London ― Speaking to the crowd of more than 100 people who’d gathered Sunday for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Trust Fund’s 40th annual Ecumenical Service, trust fund president Birse Timmons briefly recalled the fateful day ― April 4, 1968 ― when King was shot dead on the balcony of his Memphis, Tenn., motel room.

“In response, the Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship was established and has continued in a small way to answer the question: What are we doing for others?” Timmons said.

The physical and mental presence of the audience at St. James Episcopal Church at 76 Federal St., he added, was “affirmation and acknowledgment of what we as a community are doing to help more students achieve their dreams through higher education.”

Every year, the trust fund’s Board of Trustees reviews applications, academic records, community service, class standing and essays from students across New London County and picks a dozen to receive a scholarship.

Scholars are evaluated based on their dedication to learning, understanding of the mission of King, character and financial need.

This year’s scholars had been recognized at the trust fund’s 42nd Annual Scholarship Awards ceremony in October of last year. At the ceremony, recipients were each given some time to reflect on King’s legacy.

Sunday’s ecumenical service allowed scholars to reflect again on his legacy, this time just before his namesake holiday, and through tributes of arts and music.

“One of the things Dr. King appreciated and loved was the arts, and it’s symbolic role in the struggle for civil rights,” Timmons said. “This afternoon, our talented scholars will display various forms of art, music, song and poetry in honor of Dr. King.“

Stonington High School senior Shya Fine, who said she began writing poetry at 9 years old, read a poem she’d written, which was met with raucous applause.

Before the service had begun, Fine, who likes writing poetry as a form of activism, said she felt extremely honored and humbled to have the opportunity to read her poetry to the crowd.

“And I just feel like, very, I guess, blessed to be able to share my art in a way that honors such a leader in many communities, not just one,” she added.

New London Multi-Magnet High School Senior and fellow scholar Sian Crespo also recited a poem, about community and communication.

“Talk with me. A community is a place for us to speak for change. A community is a place where we can be supported. A community is a family. A community is a place that supports one another and supports the voice of the youth. So family, are you talking with me or at me. Talk with me,” Crespo read loudly to the crowd.

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Two scholars, Ledyard High School senior Adrian Beltre and Fitch High School senior Katheryn Reagan, bookended the service with music played on guitar and bass.

This year’s keynote speaker, Kiana Foster-Mauro, a 2015 MLK Scholar and Connecticut’s 2023 Teacher of the Year, told a story of her visit to the Lorraine Motel, where King was killed.

While a student at the University of Connecticut, Foster-Mauro had set eyes on the balcony where the assassination took place and held hands with King’s goddaughter to sing “We Shall Overcome,” she said. This past November, she went to Montgomery, Ala., with a friend and colleague to present at a national conference on human rights, mental health, current events and identity.

“While there, we walked the same paths that were walked during the march from Selma to Montgomery, stood where Rosa Parks’ actions had sparked the Montgomery bus boycotts and walked through the house that was bombed in an attempt to stop Dr. King’s voice.”

“As we reflect on the legacy of Dr. King, let’s remember the spirit of determination and authenticity that fueled his activism. Dr. King urged us to not only envision a more equitable world, but a world in which each individual can contribute authentically and passionately to the betterment of humanity,” she added.

“2023 scholars, you are authors shaping the next chapter of our story. Continue to embrace your unique voices, passions and talents. Do what makes you feel alive.”

Another scholar, Ernsly Joseph, a senior at the New London Multi-Magnet High School, presented a tribute to New London’s first black female mayor, Eunice Waller. Prior to the service, he’d said he considered the opportunity to present as a “momentous and life-changing event.”

“Because you realize that you can still represent something that happened long ago, and that it doesn’t really matter when or where you may cause change. But knowing that it only takes one person to cause change is really powerful,” he said. “You can see that really evidently today.”

d.drainville@theday.com