SOUTH BAY — Student participation for this annual, historical, community event keeps grpwing. On Jan. 11, 2023, approximately 42 participants competed in the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Contest on the campus of Rosenwald Elementary School. The event was also virtual. The City of South Bay, Dr. Esther Berry and Rosenwald Elementary School are sponsors who continue to honor Dr. King and his legacy.

The topic for kindergarten through second grade was: “Let there be peace: Please describe a community of peace, friendship and love”.

Winners were:

First Place: Kimora Shakur, first grade, Rosenwald Elementary;
Second Place: Layla Rodriguez, second grade, Pioneer Park Elementary;
Third Place: Emmanuel Paul, second grade, Pioneer Park Elementary.

Third through fifth grades were given the topic of: Bullying is never acceptable! Tell us the Superheroes you think Dr. King would represent to “stomp out” bullying around the world and why?”

Winners were:

First Place: Ryan Mann, fourth grade, Glade View Elementary;
Second Place: Benjamin Edouard, fifth grade, Pioneer Park Elementary;
Third Place: King Green, Third grade, Rosenwald Elementary.

Grades 6-8  were given the topic: Mental Health Awareness is a hot topic. Dr. King’s quote suggests, “The time is Right to do what is Right.” “What is your point of view about students’ mental wellness?”

Winners were:

First Place: Persia Green, eighth grade, Glades Academy;

Second Place: Precious Vickers, eighth grade, Wellington Landings Middle;
Third Place:. Omarian Mathis, eighth grade, Lake Shore Middle

Ninth through 12 grade students wrote on the topic: Explain Dr. King’s quote: “If you can’t fly then run. If you can’t run then walk. If you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

Winners were:

First Place: Jada Lovely, 11th grade, Glades Central Community High;
Second Place: E’Rinze Murphy, 12th grade, Glades Central Community High;
Third Place: Felecise Thomas, 12th grade, Glades Central Community High.

A special thanks to the judges: Dr. Esther Berry, Vernell Bolden, Benita Hamilton, Antonita Ifill, Jackie Radcliff, Sharon Singleton; participants, parents, Rosenwald Elementary School and City of South Bay faculty/staff, and to everyone who made this event possible.