Menu

News

Mariah Cubano ’29 Named Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission Youth Vanguard Award Winner

Mariah C. '29 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission Youth Vanguard Award
Mariah C. '29 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission Youth Vanguard Award

On Monday, January 16, 2023, sixth grader Mariah Cubano ’29 was honored with the State of Connecticut Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Vanguard Award for her mission, “Black Characters Matter.” In this impressive work, Mariah has strived to increase representation in literature for students by creating book drives to collect books featuring Black characters and donating them to public schools. The award was presented at the 37th Commemorative Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony and Awards Program held in Hartford as a tribute to the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In addition to her work on “Black Characters Matter,” Mariah has also written two children’s books, I’ve Been Told and Beauty Begins With Me. Mariah’s classmates from the Class of 2029 traveled down to the Capitol to celebrate Mariah as she received her award.

The award recognizes Mariah’s dedication to promoting representation in literature, and serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing the work started by Dr. King to create a more just and equitable society.

Mariah C. '29 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission Youth Vanguard Award