To make Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream a reality, we all must take action, Evelyn Opper, a fifth-grade student at Hudson Elementary School, wrote in her award-winning essay.

“He was telling us to step up and make a difference in our community,” she said.

Opper was one of seven winners honored during the 16^th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Celebration in Webster Groves on Sunday at Steeger Sixth Grade Center.

Keynote speaker Kevin Walker, founder of Project Appleseed, a national organization devoted to parental involvement in education and volunteerism, agreed that King’s dream can center on more people taking an interest in America’s youth and their respective communities.

“Service is the most important thing that we can get out of Martin Luther King’s message,” said Walker, a Webster Grove High School graduate. “King is remembered for his heroic leadership and his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. He gave his life, in essence, while asking us to help each other.”

Walker has worked with more than 1,500 schools across America through Project Appleseed. His work has been honored throughout the nation and has taken him to Washington, D.C., to meet with President Obama’s cabinet and the Department of Education.

“At the end of the day, a little action could be what Martin Luther King called ‘that one small spark’ that could lead to great things,” Walker said. “People doing small things add up to big things.”

The keynote speaker praised Webster schools, calling them special.

“Get involved in education here, because the opportunity in Webster is not available everywhere else,” he said. “I’ll never forget what this school district gave me. What we have here is important, and it should be exported. ”

As the nation celebrates the 25^th anniversary of the first national holiday in honor of King's birthday, Webster Mayor Gerry Welch said her community’s annual celebration is one she truly enjoys.

“This is a wonderful reminder of Martin Luther King as we come together as a community of people who stand for peace, diversity and courage,” she said. “Thank you, Dr. King, for the model you gave to us.”

Sunday’s celebration included a march from Webster City Hall to Steeger and performances by the Hixson Middle School Eighth Grade Jazz Band, the Hixson Middle School Choir and the Old Community Baptist Church Choir.