Watkins Elem Principal Elena Bell wraps up "I Have A Dream" reading by 5th graders
— Kristi King (@king小萝莉影视) 
Sign wavers Taylor Young & Nina Allen 2nd graders at Watkins enjoy the big finish at "I Have A Dream" reading
— Kristi King (@king小萝莉影视) 
About to start! "Have a Dream Speech鈥� by Watkins Elementary students
— Kristi King (@king小萝莉影视) 
WASHINGTON — Dozens of children gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial Friday to deliver the “I Have A Dream Speech” of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“This is a wonderful opportunity the Park Service gives us every year,” says teacher Amy Wertheimer, who聽organizes the effort with聽students from Watkins Elementary聽in Southeast. “We are the only school in the entire country that’s been asked to do this.”
In addition to remembering and reciting their individual lines the children聽learn what Dr. King was trying to accomplish. “In 2015-16 language –聽what he actually meant,”聽聽Wertheimer explains.
The recitation always happens on the Friday before the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday. This year, that happens to correspond with the King’s actual birthday. “Which makes it even more exciting,” Wertheimer said with a grin.
Editor’s note: The full speech has been edited to remove pauses between children walking to the podium.
