On January 16, 2012, the United States of America commemorated the contributions that Martin Luther King Jr. made to our great nation. As one of the greatest orators that our country has ever heard, we should find inspiration in his words. In "The Drum Major Instinct" sermon, King said, "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve….You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. And you can be that servant.” This sermon is the inspiration for the MLK Drum Major for Service Award.
Joint Aid Management, USA has the honor of celebrating three young women who have worked tirelessly to serve others in 2011. Each of them is filled with love and passion for servitude to others, especially those in Africa. They are also leaders, much like a drum major who is out in front of others, leading the parade forward. Here’s a bit of information on each of JAM’s MLK Drum Major for Service Award Honorees:
Morgan Fisher – In 2008, at age 14, Morgan combined her passion for music and JAM to create a venue that would provide teenagers an accessible way to impact the lives of children in Africa. Under the name “Bands that JAM for Africa”, Morgan started hosting benefit concerts to inspire teenagers to understand that it does not take much to impact the world. Her inspiration has reached out to over 10 high schools and 4 colleges, as well as countless bands, some who have become professionally recognized in the music industry.
Tracy Zserdin – In 2011, Tracy became the first Team Red Bowl Captain. With strong support from her family in Edmond, Oklahoma, Tracy has brought nearly 40 people together to support education and nutrition in African schools. Tracy’s passion to serve has inspired her youngest son, Jake, who accompanied Tracy to Africa last summer to work directly with schoolchildren, mostly on the soccer field! Tracy worked with local schools around Edmond to collect school supplies to take on her trip to Africa. In Africa she spent time talking with the teachers and community mothers to gain a greater understanding of their lives and how she could volunteer more and lead others to volunteer to allow those community members to help themselves. Tracy inspired fellow mothers in Africa to value education and nutrition for their children while Jake inspired future World Cup winners!
Madison Walley – A high school senior in Roswell, Georgia, Madison became inspired to establish Team Red Bowl in her community after attending a Passion Conference in Atlanta where JAM was an honoree. She felt encouraged that she could help change the world together with her friends and family. Madison, as Captain of Team Roswell, holds meetings at her school, engages students through car washes and other events, and fills bowls so students in Africa can attend school and receive daily nutrients. Madison has built her team by holding fun events, such as Frisbee competitions, to encourage volunteerism and servitude to others. Madison hopes to visit Africa this summer.