Character, leadership, and belief in justice and equality for all. These are the principles Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood for. They are also the qualities being upheld by nine distinguished Wareham students.

On Monday, Gabrielle LeFrancois, Gwendolyn Miceli, G. Allen Perry, Conrad Fernades, Christofer Martinez, Nathan Caradimos, Christian Pina, Juwaun Gamble, and Mya Pol were recognized during the 3rd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast, hosted by the Boys & Girls Club of Wareham.

The honorees were selected by the principals of each of the schools, the Boys & Girls Club of Wareham, and the Gleason Family YMCA. The students were chosen for their outstanding efforts to champion King's dream in their daily lives.

"These students are the ambassadors of peace," explained Ana Miranda, Wareham Public Schools Director of Operations/Finance. "They have persistence and a strong sense of justice."

Hometown pride radiated from the more than 200 community leaders, parents, and friends who came out to support the town's youngest role models.

"This is one of the most important events a community can have," Robert Mendez, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford, told the crowd. "We have great children in this community."

Parents were the first to acknowledge their children's inspirational actions. "Christian has always been the first to help out," Jennifer Pina said of her 16-year-old son. "He likes to help other succeed."

This year’s keynote speaker also received high praise from the community. Wareham native and director of Wellesley College Health Services, Vanessa M. Britto, was met with a standing ovation by the crowd.

Dr. Britto is a 1976 graduate of Wareham High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College, her medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, and a Masters of Science in Community Health from Brown University. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine and has practiced in various settings, including neighborhood and community health centers, as well as private practices. She is also a member of Bridgewater State College Board of Trustees.

Britto addressed the audience about the need to find inspiration from those around you and introduced them to a concept called "Ubuntu," an African philosophy about teamwork. "I am because of you," she said, explaining the meaning behind the phrase. Also, "someone is who they are because you are who you are."

Britto statement on the power of helping out one another in the community lingered in the room for the remainder of breakfast and was echoed by Barbara Sullivan, Director of the Boys & Girls of Wareham.

"Good things come out of whatever street you live on in Wareham," said Sullivan.

Good things like the actions of honoree Gwendolyn. The 10-year-old is described by her teachers as a "strong advocate for peace and justice."

"It is an honor to win. I didn't know I was getting it. I am very grateful," Gwendolyn said humbly. When Gwendolyn grows up she said she hopes to continue to help people as an elementary school teacher.

Honoree Juwaun Gamble could not attend the event. Gamble, who was being recognized by the Gleason Family YMCA, was following his other dream of playing basketball. His team was at a playoff game on Monday morning.

Each student received a plaque and a letter from the Massachusetts House of Representatives commending their achievement.

For more information on this year's recipients, click through the photo gallery.