Students, faculty honored with 2025 MLK Legacy Awards
In advance of the federal holiday honoring the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Carthage presented MLK Legacy Awards to 11 individuals and organizations for living out the teachings of the late civil rights leader.
The College’s annual celebration, sponsored by the Office of Equity and Inclusion and the Center for Faith and Spirituality, took place Jan. 15 — the date King was born in 1929.
The 2025 Legacy Award recipients included these members of the campus community:
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STUDENT AWARDS
Kasey Armstrong ’25
While completing her Carthage studies in elementary and special education, Kasey served as president of Pi Theta sorority and treasurer of the Future of Africa club. Demonstrating a commitment to inclusive learning, she has helped create opportunities for students with diverse learning needs.
Gabriella Carr ’28
As a first-year student, Gabriella is pursuing a marketing major at Carthage. She helps lead the worship team with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, competes in track and field for the Firebirds, and works as a real estate agent for Keller Williams North Shore West. Passionate about helping others, she strives to guide those around her toward a better direction in life.
Kiannah Hayes ’25
Alongside a social science major and minors in secondary education and sociology, Kiannah serves as president of the Black Student Union. She plans to teach in the social sciences and will further her education to implement policy changes. Kiannah stands for courage, fairness, emotional intelligence, and all students who have every reason to give up but don’t.
AJ Motley ’26
AJ, a computer science major, provides mentorship in his roles as a software developer, a resident assistant, and a friend. Grateful for help from those who believed in him and for guidance from God, he is determined to leave a positive mark. AJ emphasizes to people that they can achieve success beyond athletics.
FACULTY AWARDS
Siovahn Williams
Prof. Williams directs the Master of Education, Urban Teacher Preparation, and Accelerated Certification for Teachers programs at Carthage alongside her duties as associate dean for education. She has 18 years of experience as an urban educator in a variety of settings, primarily in Chicago schools.
Matt Zorn
A member of the Carthage faculty since 1997, Prof. Zorn chairs and teaches in the Geospatial Science Department. He previously worked as a GIS analyst for a consulting firm, a lab director for an Upward Bound program supporting disadvantaged students, and a park ranger/interpreter for multiple national parks.
ADDITIONAL CATEGORIES
Alumni
MLK Legacy Awards were presented to three Carthage alumni:
- Nick Demske ’06, executive director of the Racine Public Library
- Sharmain Harris ’20, MSc ’21, author, father engagement expert, and justice reform advocate
- Veronica H. Moore ’05, award-winning author and wellness advocate
Community
Also receiving Legacy Awards were:
- Alvin D. Owens, founder and director of Education Youth Development Outreach and owner of RegiMen Barber Collective
- Staff at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Racine
Unsung Heroes
Event organizers recognized 30 current and former members of the Carthage community with Unsung Hero Awards for their quiet and consistent support for diversity, equity, and inclusion over five or more years.