James Banks to be Honored at 13th Annual MLK Scholarship Ceremony
On Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, from 7:30 to 9:30 am, Moreno Valley College (MVC) will host the 12th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Award Ceremony at the Moreno Valley Conference & Recreation Center. This event will celebrate the outstanding achievements of local high school and MVC students while highlighting the legacy of a beloved Moreno Valley educator.
Among the distinguished honorees this year is James Banks, recipient of the 2025 MVC Legacy Award. Banks has made a profound impact on the Moreno Valley community and has been an influential part of the MVC faculty since 2002. His legacy in social work and human services is felt across the college and the community. During his tenure at MVC, Banks founded the college’s Food Bank and Clothing Closet, the Renaissance Scholars Program, and has been a relentless advocate for social justice and education for all.
Reflecting his personal philosophy as an educator and community leader, Banks often says, “Fear keeps you where you're at. Faith moves you forward.” This powerful statement encapsulates his approach to life and his work. As he prepares to retire, his legacy in MVC’s human services program will endure, inspiring future generations of students.
In addition to honoring Banks, the ceremony will recognize several outstanding scholarship recipients who embody the spirit of Dr. King’s vision of equality and opportunity. These students, selected through a competitive process, have demonstrated remarkable academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to social justice. The high school essay contest winners from Moreno Valley and Val Verde unified school districts will be honored alongside the Moreno Valley College student essay scholarship recipients.
This year’s high school essay contest winners include Jazae-Zehra Rizvi from Canyon Springs High School and Leah Dykes from Valley View High School, both representing Moreno Valley Unified School District. Representing Val Verde Unified School District are Owen Perez and Joselyn Natalia Mendez-Cerritos, both students at Rancho Verde High School.
Moreno Valley College student scholarship recipients include Kyla Thompson (Business Administration major), Savion Cooper (Computer Science for Transfer major), and Dacia (Child and Adolescent Development for Transfer major), who received an honorable mention for her poem.
Each essay contest winner will receive a $500 scholarship and be recognized at the ceremony. Submissions were reviewed by community and faculty judges from MVC’s English department.
Event Details
This year’s event theme, “The Thunder of Discontent,” echoes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s ongoing work and commitment to justice and equality for all, setting the tone for a morning of inspiration and change. Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in an inspiring event honoring the dreams, achievements, and legacy of those making a lasting impact on our community.
- Date: Friday, Jan. 24, 2025
- Time: 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
- Location: Moreno Valley Conference & Recreation Center, 14075 Frederick St., Moreno Valley, CA 92553
- Tickets and Sponsorships: General admission $65, student tickets $50. Sponsorships and advertisement space available in the souvenir program.
Ticket and sponsorship information
About Moreno Valley College
Moreno Valley College is dedicated to providing high-quality education and support services to its students, preparing them for successful careers and academic pursuits. The college offers a range of programs in the arts, sciences, and professional studies and is strongly committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.