
Now in its 32nd year, the oratorical program is sponsored by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PWCAC DST) in affiliation with the Delta Research and Educational Foundation. PWCS School Board member Lillie Jessie (Occoquan District), who is also a sorority member, is the founder and first chairperson of the MLK Youth Oratorical.
In the virtual format, student finalists compete before a panel of judges in advance of the program. Community members then watch online on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and vote for their favorite orator using a text-to-vote feature. This year, over 2,000 viewers tuned into the event.
Congratulations to the following winners:
Best Before the Audience
Middle school winner: Shavonne Davis, Marsteller Middle School
High school winner: Varsha Jyothikaa Palaniyandy, Gar-Field High School
Best Before the Judges
Middle school winner: Mahmud Ibn Abdul-rahman Khabir, Bull Run Middle School
High school winner: Varsha Jyothikaa Palaniyandy, Gar-Field High School
Partial performances from the Best Before the Judges winners, Palaniyandy and Khabir, are available on YouTube. The event, including all of the PWCS performances, is available online.