Whether she’s delighting TV audiences with her social commentaries on CBS Sunday Morning or theater fans with her solo pieces, Nancy Giles is a funny, perceptive and provocative observer of today’s world. She is the writer and performer of the one-woman shows, which the Village Voice has called “smart and unforgiving.” Giles has made her mark dismantling misconceptions about race, feminism and sexism. Her acclaimed work on CBS Sunday Morning has provided the largest audience yet for her unique blend of laugh-out-loud humor and common sense wisdom. Giles brings vibrant energy and a hip, alternative feel that will distinguish this program from others. Ms. Giles is guaranteed to provide a thought-provoking dynamic speech during the service. We are excited to tell you that she will be joining us for the reception afterward for questions and answers from the audience.

The program will also feature:

• The Jane LaChapelle McCarty Unity in Diversity Award will be awarded to an individual who has made great strides in bringing different people in the community together.
• Tribute to the late Dr. Thomas Scullen, superintendent Appleton Area School District. It was Dr. Scullen's mission to advocate for the academic success of all students. Dr. Scullen was a role model for educators and a culturally competent citizen. He valued his relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and relied on those relationships to make positive and meaningful contributions to the community as a whole. Dr. Scullen’s family will be present to accept the recognition.
• Youth will read winning essays reflecting on the question, "Is Dr. King's message of equality and harmony among all people and all races still relevant today?"
• "Lift Every Voice and Sing" -- known as the African American national anthem -- an annual tradition.
• Appleton North Choir will be providing a musical selection as a tribute to Dr. King.

2008 winning essays

Young people who agree with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of a society free of racial prejudice were invited to enter the Martin Luther King Essay Contest. Winners in four age brackets will read their essays at the service, but you can read the winning essays here. Congratulations to the winners and to all participants!

• Marisa Tirimacco, Grade 9 Appleton East High School
• Annaliese Wilmsen, Grade 5, Jefferson Elementary School, Appleton
• Mikaela Skalmoski, Grade 10, Neenah High School
• Allison Eilers, Grade 8 Seton Catholic School, Neenah

The first Martin Luther King Service was held on Jan. 16, 1992 at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Appleton.  In subsequent years, it was held at various Appleton churches before finding a permanent home at the Lawrence University Memorial Chapel.

The Unity in Diversity Award was first presented in 1995, and the Martin Luther King Essay Contest for youth debuted in 1994.  In 2005, the award has been renamed the Jane LaChapelle McCarty Unity in Diversity Award, honoring a Toward Community founding member and loving activist who departed from our community too soon.

Sponsorship has grown from thirteen co-sponsors in 1992 to over thirty co-sponsors currently.  Toward Community: Unity in Diversity was formed in 1993 and became the primary sponsor beginning with the 1994 celebration.