AACo. Student Wins WJZ's Black History Oratory Competition
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--After weeks of preparation, nearly 20 area high school students put their creative talents to the test at WJZ's 23rd annual Black History Month Oratory Competition.
Marcus Washington has more.
For the 23rd year, some of the brightest and most creative high school students in Baltimore and surrounding counties have taken the challenge, competing in WJZ's Black History Month Oratory Competition.
"These young people represent, not only the best in our community, but they represent our future," said WJZ's President and General Manager Jay Newman.
Newman welcomed this year's 18 students taking inspiration from one of three quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Maya Angelou and Misty Copeland creating their works of art through words.
"It was really hard to get motivation to find what to write, but after I wrote it all down, I just kept practicing until I got it in my brain and kept rehearsing," said Michael Grigsby, who came in 2nd place.
Marcus Washington had the honor of emceeing the event as part of WJZ's continuing community commitment.
"Not every struggle that you have is going to be the [struggle] that takes you out, but also, the one you have you can learn from it," said third place winner Justin Boddie.
Out of the 18 semi-finalists this year there could only be one winner and that task was not easy for the judges choosing South River High School Senior Paris Walker as this year's winner.
"I look to my mom and I see her and she has this eager look on her face that tells me to keep going. I take my time and pace myself and I just browse the audience and become comfortable with myself," said Walker.
Toyota Financial Services, McDonald's, Enoch Pratt Free Library and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African-American History and Culture were sponsors of the oratory competition this year.
Paris is a 12th grader at South River High School.
She recieved a $300 check from WJZ and a $2,000 gift card scholarship from Toyota Financial Services.
