MLK Humanitarian Awards Honor Two Exceptional McKendree Seniors
(LEBANON, Ill., February 12, 2024) - Two students were honored with McKendree University’s
2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award at a celebration held on Thursday,
Feb. 8 at the Hettenhausen Center for the Arts. The annual awards celebrate the spirit
and legacy of the Reverend Dr. King. This year’s recipients have demonstrated care
and compassion, understanding and tolerance for all people, and humanitarian principles
and ideals. They have also led or participated in service programs that reflect these
ideals.
Brad Eston, a senior from Quincy, Ill., is a music education major who has been described as “a wonderful music educator.” Eston was also the recipient of the 2023 Abraham Lincoln Civic Engagement Award and Student Laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois. An aspiring band director, Eston is a member of the university’s concert band, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, Spirit Band, concert choir and chamber choir. He has served as a resident assistant, a New Student Orientation leader, a student ambassador and an assistant for the McKendree junior high band camp. He has exemplified the ideals of Dr. King with his commitment to activism through alliance, teamwork, and diversity. He also helps other students take pride in their differences and is often seen leading others by example.
“I’d like to give the honor to God and also thank my father; he’s the reason why I
am the way I am today,” Eston said. “I love this campus. Continue to spread love and
advocate for each other.”
Maria Vitoria Salomao, a senior from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, has been described as someone who embodies the true spirit of McKendree. Her core value of service before self makes her shine as a great humanitarian, and she is constantly seen doing for others around campus. The international relations major is also a member of McKendree’s women’s tennis team, the president of the Student Government Association, a resident assistant and the McKendree Vice Chair of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
“My father inspires me every day to do things for others,” Salomao said, whose father flew in from Brazil to see her receive this award. “At the end of the day, it’s all about people and who you choose to have by your side. I couldn’t be here without you all.”
After the students received their awards, the Reverend Dr. Gennifer Benjamin Brooks, the event’s guest speaker, spoke on the witness of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in our current time. She encouraged the audience, particularly young people, to take charge and continue to push and fight like King did.
“We are still faced with the choice of nonviolent existence or violent co-annihilation today,” Brooks said. “But where do we go from here? From chaos to community, by the grace of God.”
-McK-
