Joseph "Joe" Thornton To Receive 2024 Martin Luther King, JR. Spirit Award (Photo) -01/12/24
For Immediate Release
Contact: Elizabeth Burtner, cell 509-975-6882, eburtner@columbiabasin.edu
Joseph “Joe” Thornton to Receive 2024 Martin Luther King, JR. Spirit Award
Pasco, WA, January 12, 2024 - Columbia Basin College (CBC) announced Joseph “Joe” Thornton is this year’s winner of the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Spirit Award. The award will be presented during the MLK Bell Ringing Ceremony Monday, January 15 at 5:30 pm on the CBC Campus beginning briefly outside the T Building adjacent to the MLK Statue then moving inside to the Gjerde Center. Join us to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and this year’s Spirit Award Winner.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Awards are given annually to those who embody the spirit and vision of Dr. King’s work. Mr. Thornton learned at a young age the value of having “Big Bros” in his life that supported and guided him. That foundation of support led him to develop the Big Bro Joe Foundation. Mr. Thornton’s commitment to the development and mentorship of young males in our community is unparalleled.
“Being bestowed with the MLK Spirit Award for Service is more than an achievement; it is also a testament to the profound impact we can have when selfless service becomes a guiding light”, says Joseph Thornton. He believes this award “signifies a shared commitment to uplift, inspire, and build a community where the echoes of Dr. King's dream resound through our collective dedication to positive change.”
Joseph Thornton began his career as a professional football player after graduating from University of Tennessee-Chattanooga College. While playing football, he became involved in the local community volunteering with local schools. His passion for providing young men with positive role models and helping them find their potential led him to start the Big Bro Joe Foundation. Thornton is a local business owner, active volunteer, and engage community member supporting numerous organizations throughout our area.
WHAT: 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award Winner
WHERE:Martin Luther King Jr. Bell Ringing Ceremony
WHEN: Monday, January 15, 2024 at 5:30 pm.
To learn more about the DEI work at Columbia Basin College visit: https://www.columbiabasin.edu/connect/dei/about-us.html.
# # #
Columbia Basin College (CBC) is a public community college serving the Tri-Cities and surrounding communities since 1955. CBC’s mission is to inspire, educate, and support all students in an environment of academic excellence leading to the completion of degrees, certifications, and educational transfers, while fostering meaningful employment, engaged citizenship, and a life-long joy of learning. CBC offers both two and four-year degrees and one-year Certificates. Bachelor of Applied Science degrees are offered in Applied Management, Applied Management in Agriculture or Healthcare Administration, Cyber Security, Dental Hygiene, Information Technology, Health Physics, Teacher Education, Project Management, and Community Health. CBC also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
