Twelve HISD Finalists Named for Foley’s 26th Annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition
Foley & Lardner LLP announces the 12 fourth- and fifth-grade students from Houston ISD elementary schools who will advance to the finals for its 26th Annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition on January 14 at 10 a.m. at HISD’s Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center. In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, Foley’s MLK Jr. Oratory Competition is designed to highlight the cultural diversity and talent of the Houston community while recognizing and encouraging the writing and public speaking skills of elementary school students.
Students advancing to the final round include:
- Cornellius White, 5th Grade, Blackshear Elementary
- Marquise Ambers, 4th Grade, Cornelius Elementary
- Xedrick Jabier, 4th Grade, Crespo Elementary
- Ronnie Williams, 4th Grade, James H. Law Elementary
- Nayeli Hernandez, 5th Grade, Kate Bell Elementary
- Kyron Lyons, 5th Grade, Lockhart Elementary
- Annalise Templeton, 4th Grade, Pleasantville Elementary
- Mia Neary, 5th Grade, Sutton Elementary
- Jazelle Wilson, 5th Grade, Thompson Elementary
- Chalice Jerome, 5th Grade, Valley West Elementary
- Jada Lee, 5th Grade, Windsor Village Elementary
- Diana Moreno, 5th Grade, Young Elementary
Hosted and sponsored by Foley, the MLK Jr. Oratory Competition invites local students to present original three-to-five minute speeches addressing the topic: “How would Dr. King assess our progress in achieving his vision for America?” The Houston competition consists of three rounds: the in-school qualifiers held in October 2021, the semifinals held on January 7, and the finals on January 14. Criteria for judging include delivery, stage presence and decorum, content interpretation, and memorization. Finalists will receive a monetary award, participation plaque, and other gifts.
Created in Dallas in 1993, the event’s success led to the establishment of the Houston competition in 1997 and the Chicago competition in 2020. Past winners and participants have delivered their speeches to numerous local and national organizations, including MLK Day appearances at the House of Blues. They have also appeared 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.
To engage with and stay up to date on this year’s competition, please use #FoleyMLK.
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Foley & Lardner LLP looks beyond the law to focus on the constantly evolving demands facing our clients and their industries. With approximately 1,100 lawyers in 25 offices across the United States, Mexico, Europe and Asia, Foley approaches client service by first understanding our clients’ priorities, objectives and challenges. We work hard to understand our clients’ issues and forge long-term relationships with them to help achieve successful outcomes and solve their legal issues through practical business advice and cutting-edge legal insight. Our clients view us as trusted business advisors because we understand that great legal service is only valuable if it is relevant, practical and beneficial to their businesses.