Nick Connolly of Marion High School, Dalvin Dixon of Kennedy, Raven Johnson of Jefferson and Spencer Zielke of Cedar Valley Christian are among 22 area middle and high school students who will be honored at the 27th Annual Remembering Martin Luncheon on Monday at the Hotel at Kirkwood.

All four of the Metro students are seniors.

One student from each Cedar Rapids high school and middle school was nominated for the honor by school administrators for exemplifying the ideals and values of Martin Luther King Jr., including leadership and service to the community.

Connolly has been involved in football, basketball, track and baseball. Noted for his “kind, unassuming way that enhances others’ self-esteem,” he is also a member of the National Council on Youth Leadership and the One Day Committee, which plans Iowa’s statewide school community service day.

Dixon, described as “showing compassion for others, especially those less fortunate,” has been a varsity athlete in football, wrestling and track. He is a member of the Kennedy student government, the Best Buddies Program and the Motivating the Teen Spirit organization.

Johnson, a captain on the Jefferson football team, is a leader in the Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates program and recently organized a fundraiser for the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Zielke plays football, basketball and baseball and is a member of the CVC concert choir. Along with organizing a group of fans who attended every CVC volleyball game, home and away, he is involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and helped coach a youth basketball team.

Each student honored at the Remembering Martin Luncheon, which is sponsored by the United Way of East Central Iowa, receives a medallion, a certificate and a $100 U.S. Savings Bond. This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Ruth White, director of Kids on Course.