There will be no school on Monday, Jan. 17 to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

The federal holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of January each year to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s birthday, even though his actual birthday is on Jan. 15. 

“It is a federal holiday so most schools aren’t in session,” school counselor Amanda Tomes said. “It’s an important thing for students to recognize since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. played such an important role in the Civil Rights Movement.”

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the leader of the Civil Rights Movement. He organized several peaceful protests and is most famous for his “I Have a Dream” speech which he delivered in front of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 for more than 200,000 people. He also played a key role in helping Congress pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964. 

“Martin Luther King Jr. was a really important man and I think it’s cool we celebrate him every year,” junior Kenzie Mattox said. “It also doesn’t hurt that we get a day off of school.”

Every year the MLK Jr. Youth Rally is held on MLK Day where students honor and celebrate what he accomplished for the Civil Rights Movement. This year the Youth Rally will be held virtually.

This is the 36th year MLK Day will be celebrated federally.