The Laughlin Memorial Chapel is a staple in Wheeling’s history. Their efforts to provide a place of comfort and stability for children have been a pillar in our community. Their efforts to educate children on the importance of Dr. King’s work and the impact he has had on the Black Community, has been a tradition dating various years back. 

From the late 1960s through the early days of 2023, the Laughlin Memorial Chapel has been dedicated to providing a sense of community and education for the children of Wheeling for over 150 years. Annually, the Chapel partners with the YWCA to provide extra opportunities for members of the community to participate in the discussion. 

On Monday, January 16, 2023, various students from across West Virginia were honored for their outstanding participation in the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee essay, film, or song contest. With the theme of “If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way,” students showcased the great, yet small, ways they can impact lives. The winners included two of Park’s very own:  12th grader Anthony Smith, taking home first place for his impactful rap song and a second place video submission from Mrs. Dillon’s Broadcasting class by McKenna Dei and MaKiyah Strothers. In a creative way, students are given the opportunity to not only educate themselves on the importance of Dr. King but to spread that important message.