United Way Presents Scholarship at MLK Legacy Awards Luncheon

United Way of Westchester and Putnam joined the African American Men of Westchester (AAMW) in honoring seven exceptional students at their 24th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Youth Awards luncheon. The event, held at the Sleepy Hollow Conference Center, celebrated young leaders from across Westchester who embody Dr. King’s principles of service, justice, and community.
Tom Gabriel, President and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam, presented the Social Justice Award and $2,500 scholarship to Chase Gray, a 12th-grade student at Harrison High School. The Social Justice Award is presented each year to a student who upholds a standard of integrity and focuses on the pursuit of fairness, justice, and the equitable distribution of resources for all.
This year, Chase was awarded the scholarship for his work in creating a short documentary, titled “Journey to Justice,” where he explored the motivations of servant leaders and their dedication to creating social change while reflecting on his own dedication to unity and justice through impactful service across diverse communities.
“This young leader’s dedication to amplifying community voices and addressing critical needs exemplifies the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy,” said Gabriel. “His documentary not only showcases the power of service but inspires others to take action in their own communities.”
The ceremony, funded in part by United Way, recognized students across seven categories: Building Bridges, Peace & Non-Violence, Social Action, Social Justice, Spirit of Love, Vision, and the William L. Carter Perseverance Award. Each awardee was nominated by a community member and selected for their devotion to embodying Dr. King’s principles of non-violent social change.