Dr. James Easton to address MLK Day audience Jan. 19

Dr. James Easton, director of the Acadia Parish Head Start program will be the special guest speaker at the Rayne program celebrating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day here on Jan. 19.
A native of South Bend, Ind., he received his bachelor’s degree from Manchester College, his master’s degree from the University of Tennessee and his educational doctorate degree from Pennsylvania State University. He is married to Alnetta R. Theriot and they have four sons, Jimmy, Scott, Sean and Steven.   
The MLK celebration is co-hosted by the  Rayne National Association of University Women (NAUW), the City of Rayne and the MLK Committee.
Every year for the past 15 years, the celebration has recognized the education, positive achievements, and the legacy of Dr. Martin King Jr.
The day will begin with a  MLK program at  Depot Square at 8:30 a.m.
A community health fair will be offered to Civic Center visitors between 9:30 and 11 a.m.
This year’s theme is “Partnership With Our Community Providing Support, Communication, and Education”.
Following a short program, participants shall march to the Rayne Civic Center where the main program will be held at 11:00 a.m. The march is a remembrance to the past which has given strength and hope for the future. Participants can march or drive themselves to the Civic Center.
Everyone is welcomed, note Hilda Wiltz, MLK chairperson, with co-chairs Laura Levy and Mary Figaro, and Dianne Granger, NAUW president.
In addition to the wellness program, the MLK Special Service Award and awards for school age contest winnerswill be provided by local youth, schools, churches and organizations.
Lunch will be served after the program. Should there be any inclement weather, all programs shall take place at the Rayne Civic Center.
As with any event sponsored by a non-profit organization, supplies and monetary donations are necessary. Monetary donations will go toward the awards, scholarships and food supplies.
Any and all donations are deeply appreciated, say the sponsors.
Contributions can be mailed to: NAUW/M.L.K. Fund P.O. Box 826, Rayne, LA. 70578.
If you have any questions, please call NAUW-Rayne Branch President, Dianne Granger at (337) 278-9684, Hilda Wiltz at (337)393-2080 or Laura Levy at (832)443-3880 or M.L.K.
“Our goal is to celebrate, educate and recognize the dreams of our leaders and youth in this community, as well as a great American hero,” say spokesmen for the sponsoring organizations.