Second annual ‘Keeper of the Dream' Dinner honors those who carry out Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. legacy

Yahoo

14-02-2025

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – In honor of Black History Month, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was remembered in Springfield with a dinner, honoring those who carry out his vision.
It was a night of reflection and inspiration, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and those who carry on his legacy. Westfield State University recognized 6 honorees for promoting 'the Dream' at their 2nd annual 'Keeper of the Dream' dinner at the Sheraton Hotel in Springfield.
'We are proud to to recognize people who really care about humanity and the importance of cultures trying to come together,' said Westfield State University President, Linda Thompson.
This year's honoreees are community members who've dedicated themselves to promoting social change and upholding the legacy of Dr. King. Among the honorees is lead custodian at West Springfield Public Schools for over 20 years, Onix Cruz who has become a mentor, listener and friend to students.
'It's just a simple conversation and letting them be themselves and in respecting the point of view, respecting where they come from, respecting that culture, that's just me showing them that it's okay to be yourself. We accept that,' said Cruz.
The following is a complete list of the 2025 honorees:
Jon-Randel 'Randy' Quarles: Firefighter, Westfield Fire Department – Jon-Randel 'Randy' Quarles is a dedicated emergency services professional with the Westfield Fire Department. He has extensive experience in EMS, fire response, and hazardous materials management. He earned a B.S. in Emergency Medical Services Management from Springfield College and began his career as an EMT in 1996, becoming a Paramedic in 1997. Having been assigned to the Westfield Fire Department in 1999, he has been involved in labor-management committees on grievances and negotiations during his eight years as the union president and Advanced Life Support (ALS) Coordinator. He became a member of the Massachusetts Regional HazMat Response Team, District 4, in 2007 and is currently the Team Coordinator. He was chosen to join the prestigious Joint Hazards Incident Response Team (JHIRT) in 2018, working alongside the Clan Lab Enforcement Team and the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad. Quarles remains committed to service – enhancing public safety, leadership, and emergency response.
Juanita Mejias: Sergeant, Westfield Police Department – Juanita Mejias is the Traffic Bureau Sergeant for the Westfield Police Department, proudly serving the community since 2001. Over the course of her career, she has worked in every departmental bureau before becoming the first Latina Superior Officer in the history of the Westfield Police Department. Before returning to her hometown of Westfield, where she spent more than 20 years dedicated to community service and public safety, Juanita, a veteran of the United States Army, served overseas in Korea. A lifelong resident of Westfield, Juanita raised her daughters here and cares for her aging parents. Juanita's dedication to leadership and professional development is evidenced by her three degrees in criminal justice – associate's, bachelor's, and master's. She continues to make a lasting impact in Westfield.
Onix Cruz: Lead Custodian, West Springfield Public Schools – Onix Cruz was born in Puerto Rico and moved to the United States in 1989. After struggling in high school, he joined Holyoke's YouthBuild program where he obtained his GED and gained confidence and leadership skills. For the past 20 years, Onix has worked as a custodian in West Springfield schools. Onix is more than a custodian—he is a mentor, a listener, and a friend to students and staff alike. Inspired by his own experiences, he launched the 'Bee Yourself' movement, encouraging self-acceptance and perseverance. He works to identify the gaps in youth support and guidance and he makes a meaningful impact on those who may be feeling lost or unsupported. Onix is dedicated to being the mentor he once needed during high school, going out of his way to encourage students, sharing his own story of perseverance and hard work to inspire them to dream big.
Matt Griffin: IHD Supervisor & Girls Track and Field Coach, West Springfield Public Schools – As the In-House Detention Supervisor since 2016, Matt Griffin, also known as Coach Griff on the West Springfield High School campus, is about to begin his 27th year as an interscholastic sports coach. He has served as a coach who creates an atmosphere that encourages students to be disciplined, grow, and take on leadership roles. In football, basketball, cross country, and track & field, Coach Griff has influenced hundreds of student-athletes since 1998, helping them succeed on and off the field. In addition to winning three MIAA Team Sportsmanship Awards with his team, he contributes to those in the local community. A two sport 1998 graduate of Bridgewater State University, he was inducted into the Chicopee Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017 and has won three MSTCA Coach of the Year awards. Along with his spouse, in West Springfield. Mirian, and their three children, Vanessa, Josiah, and Daesia, he lives in West Springfield.
Marjorie Rodriguez: MSW Assistant Director for Student Access & Support for the Office of Belonging, Inclusion and Learning – Marjorie Rodríguez has worked at Westfield State University for nearly ten years and continues to serve, this learning community in multiple roles advocating for current and former foster youth and students experiencing housing insecurity to provide them with the unique tools and resources necessary to develop the skills needed to retain them and to guide them towards successful degree completion. She has been an Instructor in our Urban Education Program, an Advisor/Program Coordinator in our Trio Student Support Services Program; and an Assistant Director in the CARE Program. Currently she is Assistant Director of Student Access & Support for the Office of Belonging, Inclusion and Learning; is an Adjunct Professor in the Social Work Department; and most recently also serves as the coordinator of the campus food pantry, Common Goods. In May 2024, Marjorie received the prestigious Carlos Vega Community Champion Award for her exceptional dedication to social justice.
Dr. Carlton Pickron, Staff Emeritus: Retired Vice President of Student Affairs – Dr. Carlton Pickron is a dedicated higher education leader with a distinguished career of over 35 years with Westfield State University. From 2012 until his retirement in 2019, he was the Vice President for Student Affairs, leading and supervising all aspects of Student Affairs, including Student Government, Athletics, Residential Life, Admissions, and Diversity and Inclusion. During his tenure as Dean of Diversity and Affirmative Action from 2008 to 2011, Dr. Pickron spearheaded university-wide efforts on Title IX, ADA compliance, and diversity. Additionally, he served as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs (1990-2005) and Dean of Academic Retention (2005-2008), where he focused on retention efforts, academic advising, and disability services. He has published and presented extensively on the experiences of Black scholars and students, especially student-athletes. Dr. Pickron has decades of experience advancing equity and justice and he continues to be dedicated to creating inclusive and life-changing learning environments.
The great-great granddaughter of Federick Douglass and the great-granddaughter of Booker T. Washington and keynote speaker of the event, Nettie Washington Douglass being a prime example for these honorees as she continues her families legacy in creating racial equity.
'I think it's so important that people get involved with their community. And you can tell by what's going on here that it works, the giving back, said Washington Douglass.
Those at Westfied State University also being rewarded for their contributions with scholarships. 'I put so much time, dedication and passion into social justice, fighting for people with disabilities, fighting for people with ethnic backgrounds, fighting for people that are first generation.So I'm just so honored that the work and the passion that I put into this is now showing ,' said Westfield State University student, Catrina Casting.
In total, $4,000 were given out to students recieveing scholarships.
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