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On Jan. 29, 2026, Waubonsee Community College celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at its “RISE as One: A Community Tribute." The evening of reflection, learning, and recognition culminated in the presentation of the college’s first-ever RISE to the Dream Awards.
Waubonsee celebrated twelve outstanding students who embody Dr. King’s vision through leadership, service, and a commitment to equity. Nominated by local educators and community leaders, these students were honored for their courage in building unity across our communities. The inaugural RISE to the Dream Award recipients include:
- Kaylany Aburto, Rosary College Prep, Aurora
- Taya Benson, Leland CUSD #1, Leland
- Malachi Boyd, Fred Rodgers Magnet Academy, Aurora
- Iris Choi, Leland School CUSD #1, Leland
- Kelsey Corken, Batavia High School, Batavia
- Emmanuel Diaz, East Aurora High School, Aurora
- Evelyn Espinoza, Simmons Middle School, Aurora
- ZaMya Fowlder Barrett, West Aurora High School, Aurora
- Aspen Grometer, Waubonsee Community College, Oswego
- Luke Hartsell, Somonauk High School, Somonauk
- Germaine Mwizerwa, Waubonsee Community College, Aurora
- Manuel Velasquez, East Aurora High School, Aurora
Keynote speaker Clayton Muhammad, an award-winning professional affectionately known as “The Voice of Aurora,” delivered an inspiring message that bridges local history with the global civil rights movement.
Muhammad’s deep roots in Aurora, where he was born and raised, were evident in his presentation as well as his decade-long service as spokesperson and his role as host/emcee at more than 1,000 events over the past 25 years. For 15 years, Muhammad served as the host of Aurora's MLK Ceremony, of which the last five years, he also assumed the role of MLK event organizer, culminating in 2025 with the 40th Annual Aurora MLK Ceremony. He is a proud member of Dr. King's fraternity, Alpha Phi Fraternity, Inc. He invited the community to “RISE as One,” in honor of Dr. King’s legacy. The strong presence of families, students, colleagues, and community members at this tribute shows the importance of our communities rising together as one.
As Waubonsee continues to redefine its relationship with the community, the success of such events highlights the college’s commitment to serving all of Waubonsee’s residents through the RISE 2030 strategic plan. Led by Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff Dr. Toya Webb, RISE 2030 is transforming the way Waubonsee helps students succeed and communities thrive. Learn more at waubonsee.edu/RISE.
Waubonsee Community College recognized twelve outstanding local students with the inaugural RISE to the Dream Award. Pictured (Front Row, L to R): Waubonsee President Dr. Brian Knetl; Dr. Toya Webb, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff; Dr. Kim Chavis, Provost and Vice President of Teaching, Learning, and Student Success; Clayton Muhammad.
Pictured (Back Row, L to R): Iris Choi; Kaylany Aburto; Evelyn Espinoza; Luke Hartsell; Manuel Velasquez; Taya Benson, Emmanuel Diaz (behind Benson); ZaMya Fowlder Barrett; Malachi Boyd; Aspen Grometer. Not pictured: Kelsey Corken and Germaine Mwizerwa.
