The Orangeburg County School District (OCSD) proudly hosted its fourth annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Competition on January 28, 2025, at Edisto Fork United Methodist Church. This year’s theme, “Building Capacity, Sustaining Success,” resonated deeply as students from grades 4 and 5 shared their ideas for a better community.
Participants from 14 OCSD elementary schools showcased their skills. Their speeches, inspired by Dr. King’s legacy, proposed ways to uplift and unite their communities.
This year’s winners are: First Place: Armanie Francis from Elloree Elementary Second Place: Zionna Carmon from Dover Elementary
Third Place: Kiah Gathers from St. James-Gaillard Elementary
Mr. Hayward Jean, OCSD’s Director of Student Services, expressed his pride in the participants: “This evening was a display of the future. Our students delivered their messages with the insight
and passion of seasoned leaders, showing the impact of youth in shaping our society.”
Dr. Shawn D. Foster, Superintendent of OCSD, reflected on the significance of the event: “This gathering each year allows our community to experience the inspiring ideas of our students as they apply Dr. King’s teachings. It shows the value of our commitment to our youth, who are key to our future.”
The judges shared their experiences, highlighting the challenge in selecting winners due to the high quality of all presentations: “Selecting the top three was challenging. Each student performed exceptionally, demonstrating their potential for remarkable achievements.”
The event celebrated the impressive abilities of our young speakers and their potential to influence positive change. OCSD thanks all who participated and supported this inspiring event and looks forward to nurturing more young leaders who can advance Dr. King’s legacy.
