Fourth grader at Charles Rice wins the 16th Annual Gardere Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — Nearly 40 years after his death, the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. continues to resonate with the youth of today. Inspired by his legacy, elementary school students in three Texas cities competed this week in the annual Gardere Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competitions.

More than 280 students, representing a total of 20 schools in Dallas, Austin and Houston, competed in preliminary contests over the past month for the right to represent their schools. The annual events are hosted by the law firm of Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP.

“During Dr. King’s life, the cultural and educational landscapes were far different from any that these students will ever have to know,” says Steve Good, Gardere’s managing partner. “He dedicated, and ultimately sacrificed, his life to assure better lives for future generations. Through events such as this, Gardere is proud to help make sure Dr. King’s efforts are never forgotten, and at the same time place a spotlight on some of the brightest, most talented elementary school students in Texas.”

On Jan. 16, Dalton Sherman, a fourth grader at Charles Rice Learning Center, took top honors in the 16th annual Dallas competition. Drawing from Dr. King’s “Drum Major Instinct” speech, the 9-year-old stirred the crowd, speaking of the need for not only strong leaders, but also for the community to pull together: “We have to all do this together. Because a drum major with no band is just a fool dancing on a football field.”

Fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students from participating schools presented personally written speeches commemorating Dr. King’s vision of peace and unity. The young speakers were judged on the content of their speech, memorization and overall performance. All finalists receive savings bonds and other prizes.

Gardere introduced the competition 16 years ago in Dallas to celebrate the city’s diversity and promote awareness and understanding of different cultures. The event’s success led to the establishment of the competition in Houston in 1997 and Austin in 2006. The oratory competition, which is held in conjunction with the national holiday recognizing the late civil rights leader, encourages the local community to remember and pay tribute to Dr. King’s leadership and legacy.

Source: Gardere Wynne Sewell