40th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Program Winners

PWCS students showcased their talents at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Oratorical Program on January 18. Sponsored by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PWCAC-DST), this event, now in its 40th year, featured student speeches as a key highlight of the celebration.

Guided by their coaches—often teachers—students begin preparing and practicing their speeches early in the year, striving to emulate Dr. King’s renowned oratorical skills. 

Students from school and regional programs presented their speeches to a panel of judges in advance of the program and were previously previously announced as finalists. Judges and community members then attend the event and select their favorite orators.

Congratulations to the following PWCS student presenters who received awards at the 2025 MLK Oratorical Program:

  • Jordyn Nesbitt, senior at Gainesville High School, won the “Best Before the Judges” award.
  • Rabab Raza, a freshman at Osbourn Park High School, won the “Best Before the Audience” award for the second year in a row.
  • Ezana Tesfaye, seventh grader at Porter Traditional School, won both “Best Before the Audience” and “Best Before the Judges” awards.

This year, the writing competition, open to all fourth and fifth grade students, was reinstated. Congratulations to the following PWCS students:

Fourth Grade:

  • First Place, Nikhil Thampi, Glenkirk Elementary School
  • Third Place, Caroline Moreland, T. Clay Wood Elementary School
  • Honorable Mention, Arshida Habib, Lake Ridge Elementary School

Fifth Grade:

  • First Place, Hailey Triglia, Bennett Elementary School
  • Third Place, London Lewis, Lake Ridge Elementary School
  • Honorable Mention, Elizabeth Adams, Bristow Run Elementary School

Visit the PWCAC DST website to learn more about this program.