Eight young orators will soon face off in Dallas ISD’s 30th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition. The fourth and fifth graders will speak on the topic: “How would Dr. King assess our progress in achieving his vision for America.”
The event, sponsored by the law firm Foley & Lardner LLP, will be streamed on the district’s website and on Facebook Live at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 14. It will be the highlight of a monthslong process in which dozens of students at 17 district schools participated by writing, memorizing and reciting their original essays on the assigned topic.
The competition, a signature event for Dallas ISD, is a celebration of cultural diversity and an opportunity to spotlight talented students as they learn about the teachings of Dr. King.
Past years’ winners and participants have delivered their speeches to local and national audiences, making MLK Day appearances at city celebrations and appearing on local and national television programs, including CBS’ The Early Show, Fox 26 News, Oprah, Good Morning America, The Today Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
In addition to the student speakers, the final competition will feature remarks from Superintendent Michael Hinojosa and representatives from Foley & Gardner LLP. Fox 4 News anchor Clarice Tinsley will host remotely, and a number of community, civic and business leaders will be judging remotely.
Student winners of the competition will receive cash awards and gifts.
This year’s contestants are:
Zihair Douglas, 4th grade, T.L. Marsalis Elementary School
Arianna Garcia, 5th grade, L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary School
Daniella Goffney-Mitchell, 4th grade, Thomas Tolbert Elementary School
Kiyan Harrison, 4th grade, Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School
Diamond McKinney, 5th grade, Clara Oliver Elementary School
Jaliaha Rodgers, 5th grade, J.P. Starks Math, Science, and Technology Vanguard
Chance Taylor, 5th grade, Charles Rice Learning Center
Tristan Whitfield, 5th grade, Paul L. Dunbar Learning Center
Jackson Smith, 4th grade, MLK Arts Academy, will compete should one of the finalists be unable to participate.
