MADISON, Wis. -- A Madison middle school paid tribute to its namesake on Sunday during a 10th anniversary celebration.

James C. Wright Middle School was named for the Madison civil rights activist. During the anniversary celebration on Sunday, students performed a play written by their teachers, WISC-TV reported.

The goal is to educate a new generation about the Rev. Wright's accomplishments as a business owner and part of the city's Equal Opportunities Commission.

"It was amazing to see because they're middle schoolers, and middle schoolers are always interesting, but once they started learning about his life and once Mother Wright came in and started talking to them about that message, that everybody's your neighbor you could see them start bonding more as a group," said teacher Steven Stack.

Teachers said the most important way students could honor Wright's legacy would be to treat everyone equally at school, WISC-TV reported.