Making a dream reality: The 2009 MLK Jr. award winners were presented their awards Sunday afternoon at Porter Memorial Hall at Newton High School. Doug Bolton of Hands on Newton, left, and the Rev. Willie J. Smith of the Newton County Ministers' Union both received the I Have A Dream Award, created in 1987. Billy 'BC' Crowell was the first winner of the newly created MLK Trailblazer Award for his years of service to the community. All honorees are selected by a nominating committee. The awards were presented as part of celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s 80th birthday — the 24th time Newton County has participated in the national observance of King's birthday. The national theme this year was "Remember! Celebrate! Act!" Speakers included Tonya Murphy of Grace United Methodist Church, the Rev. Jason Dees of the First Baptist Church of Covington, Newton County Schools Superintendent Steven Whatley, Dean of Oxford College Steven Bowen, Newton County Board of Commissioners Chair Kathy Morgan, Covington Mayor Kim Carter, the Rev. Billy Wade of First Presbyterian Church of Covington, the Rev. Carl Jones of Bethabara Missionary Baptist Church, the Rev. David Payne of The Church at Covington, Melanie Biggs, Dennis Cheek, the Rev. Harold Cobb, Oxford College Chaplain Judy Shema and the Rev. W.J. Reid of Springfield Baptist Church in Madison. The event was also highlighted with musical and dance performances by local artists.