Arnell Peck, a member of the Class of 2025, was honored on October 22 as a 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Trust Fund. Peck was one of twelve local students from the New London area selected for this scholarship, which recognizes students of color who exemplify Dr. King’s legacy through community engagement, leadership, and academic excellence.
Peck’s rigorous application process began in March, starting with outreach to individuals who have shaped his life. “I reached out to the people who helped mold me into the person I am today to write letters of recommendation for me,” Peck said. His endorsers included Williams English teacher Andy Shea, Reyona Dyess from the New London City Council, and his pastor, Yohance Perry from Mt. Olive Church.
A key component of Peck’s application was an essay addressing the question, “Where do we go from here?” He chose to focus on the death of Tyre Nichols, highlighting the ongoing issue of police brutality.
Peck was familiar with the scholarship program, having attended the dinner honoring past scholars for many years. He recalled being inspired by their speeches. “I was astounded by how successful these students, not much older than me, were. Each year, I left inspired,” Peck said. “I always remember my dad saying that it was going to be me on that stage one day, but I never believed him.”
After the preliminary round, Peck was selected as a finalist and interviewed by the Board of Trustees. He described the moment he learned about the honor: “When I got the decision right next to my dad, we just sat there and laughed at each other because of how crazy this was to us.”
The culmination of this honor was Peck’s speech, delivered in front of over 600 attendees, including children. “I wanted to be the inspiration that drives them to achieve their next goal in life, whether it’s an adult looking to start a business or a kid trying to earn the same scholarship as I did,” Peck said.
