Orting High School Leads the March

To acknowledge the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., Orting High School came together in a unique fashion. Students and staff simulated the 1963 March on Washington. Students gathered at the OHS baseball field and marched to the Orting Station. They were led by the band and carried signs similar to those of the 1963 march.

At the station the band played a stirring rendition of the national anthem and the event’s organizer, Hunter Mullis led with a description of the 1963 march that featured MLK’s, “I Have a Dream” speech. The keynote speaker was Puyallup resident Karle Pitts. Born in Alabama in 1953, the 20 year Air Force veteran spoke of his memories of the segregated south and the changes he witnessed. He also spoke of the internal worth and a respect for all.

OHS teacher Jody Coleman when asked about the march said, “I think it did a great job relating to the student body connections based off of historical stories and personal experience. OHS senior Dylan Hayden was touched by Mr. Pitts story, “It was very inspirational to treat everyone equally and made me evaluate how I treat others in my personal life.”

Orting High School ASB advisor John Miller wanted to express his appreciation to the school district that fully supported this year’s off campus assembly. “It isn’t easy to pull off a march into town for the entire high school, but with the weather we had and our schools awesome attitude, it was as if it was meant to be.”