Interpreting the dream: Young orators will compete in finals of annual MLK Oratory Competition

Eight young orators will soon face off in Dallas ISD’s 30^th 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, 4^th grade, T.L. Marsalis Elementary School

Arianna Garcia, 5^th grade, L.L. Hotchkiss Elementary School

Daniella Goffney-Mitchell, 4^th grade, Thomas Tolbert Elementary School

Kiyan Harrison, 4^th grade, Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School

Diamond McKinney, 5^th grade, Clara Oliver Elementary School

Jaliaha Rodgers,  5^th grade, J.P. Starks Math, Science, and Technology Vanguard

Chance Taylor, 5^th grade, Charles Rice Learning Center

Tristan Whitfield, 5^th grade, Paul L. Dunbar Learning Center

Jackson Smith, 4^th grade, MLK Arts Academy, will compete should one of the finalists be unable to participate.