Young students from the Houston Independent School District are making their voices heard as they honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the 30th Annual Oratory Competition. Fourth and fifth graders are delivering original speeches that reflect their understanding of Dr. King’s message of hope and justice.
The competition invites students to explore a pivotal question: “As a student of Dr. King’s life, what message of hope do you think he would have for the world today?” Each speech, lasting between three to five minutes, challenges the young participants to articulate their visions with confidence and heart.
Celebrating a Legacy of Inspiration
Scott Ellis, managing partner of Foley and Lardner’s Houston office, is emceeing the event for the first time this year. He has been involved with the competition for many years and takes over from longtime chair and founder Claude Treece, who remains involved as a judge. Ellis emphasized the importance of maintaining this tradition in Houston, stating that the competition not only uplifts participants but also inspires their families and the broader community.
Past participants often credit the oratory competition with boosting their confidence and shaping their future paths as leaders. This year, fourth grader Stormii Olezene from Blackshear Elementary School is one of the standout finalists.
Stormii expressed her commitment to the competition, highlighting Dr. King’s message of love and standing up for what is right. She shared that while speaking in front of an audience can be intimidating, she relies on preparation to ease her nerves. To prepare, Stormii eliminates distractions, steps away from electronics, and practices her speech until it is fully memorized.
Her close friend, Montoia Murray, who won the competition back-to-back in 2024 and 2025, has been a source of encouragement throughout the process. Stormii aims to represent her school with pride and embody the spirit of unity that Dr. King advocated.
A Historic Venue and Community Impact
The competition is held at the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, a significant landmark in Houston that was founded by formerly enslaved people. This year, Antioch is also celebrating its 160th anniversary and has hosted the oratory competition since its inception. The venue adds to the event’s historical significance, creating a powerful atmosphere for the young speakers.
During a recent segment, Stormii delivered a moving excerpt from her speech. Her poignant message about unity resonated with viewers, reminding them that Dr. King’s ideals live on in every individual. The emotional impact of her words underscored the notion that leadership can emerge from any age.
As the oratory competition continues to thrive, it serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Dr. King and the potential of young voices to effect change in their communities. The event not only honors a pivotal figure in American history but also empowers the next generation of leaders to carry forward the message of hope and justice.