Local Students Exhibit Resilience with Impactful Speeches at 25th Annual Foley & Lardner MLK Jr. Oratory Competition

Fourth and fifth-graders answer the question: “How do you think Dr. King’s teachings can help us today?”

Style Magazine Newswire | 1/11/2021, 3:27 p.m.

On Friday, Jan. 15, fourth and fifth-grade students at Houston ISD elementary schools will vie for the winning title during the final round of the 25th Annual Foley & Lardner MLK Jr. Oratory Competition.

Presented, hosted and sponsored by Foley & Lardner, the event invites local students to present original three-to-five-minute speeches addressing the topic: “How do you think Dr. King’s teachings can help us today?”

More than 100 students representing 22 Houston ISD schools participated in the in-school qualifying rounds in the fall, all done via video submissions. One student from each school was selected to advance to the semifinal round held Jan. 8. Of the 25 semifinalists, 12 have advanced to the final competition. Criteria for judging include delivery, stage presence, and content interpretation and memorization.

Foley & Lardner will celebrate their 25th Anniversary this year with guest appearances from past winners, motivating and encouraging the current finalists to demonstrate excellence while celebrating the late Dr. King.

Be a part of the conversation online with #FoleyMLK.

This event will happen on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, the competition is designed to highlight the cultural diversity of the community while recognizing and encouraging the writing and public speaking skills of elementary school students.

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