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Marshall Elementary Student Jerniya Richardson Delivers a Bold, Powerful
Message and Wins The 2018 MLK Oratory Competition

    When Jerniya Richardson, a fifth grade student at Marshall Elementary School, walked onto the stage at the fifth annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition, the audience knew something special was about to happen. Her energetic and confident performance engaged the audience and captured the full focus and attention of the judges. When the judge’s scores were tallied, Jerniya was named the winner of a very competitive contest. One of the highlights from Richardson’s speech was her translation of the acronym “BELIEVE IN YOU”:

B – Build relationships that can bring about a change.
E – Establish rules for your behavior at home and in public.
L – Listen to the Voice of Reason and Learn from your mistakes.
I – Inspire others to be great.
E – Embrace all things that make you different.
V – Have a Vision, Be the Vessel, Be the Voice.
E – Expect the impossible.

I – Include God in everything you do.
N – Never settle and Never give up.

Y – Yield not to temptations and Young ladies, do not be afraid to say “Me Too” because time is up.
O – Overcome by being open to change.
U – Understand that you are not a failure if you keep trying.

    Congratulations Jerniya, your words were truly inspiring.

    The final round of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition was held on the evening of February 1, 2018 at New Mount Zion Church in Orangeburg. The preliminary rounds of the competition began several months ago with qualifying programs in each of the eight elementary schools in Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five (OCSD5). The preliminary competitions determined the school champions who would move on to compete as finalists in the districtwide competition. The competition was open to fourth and fifth grade students who were required to compose and present an original speech of up to five minutes on the topic: “If the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was invited to deliver the commencement speech at my graduation, this is what I believe he would say”. The names of the students who qualified to participate in the final round of the MLK Oratory Competition, along with the schools they attend, are:

·             Jerniya Richardson, Marshall Elementary School – 1^st Place
·             Sincere Williams, Mellichamp Elementary School – 2^nd Place
·             Jusperious Davenport, Sheridan Elementary School – 3^rd Place
·             Jabari Guinyard, Orangeburg Leadership Academy – Finalist
·             Elayshia Brown, Bethune-Bowman Elementary School – Finalist
·             Chenia Robinson, Brookdale Elementary School – Finalist
·             Noah Coleman, Dover Elementary School – Finalist
·             Aaron Ulmer, Whittaker Elementary School – Finalist

    While the finals of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition provided great inspiration and entertainment for the audience, its primary purpose was to provide fourth and fifth grade students with an opportunity to develop their skills in historical research, reading, writing, and public speaking in classrooms across the district.

    The program began with opening remarks by Mistress of Ceremonies Dr. Mary Williams, the 2017-18 OCSD5 District Teacher of the Year. She was followed by welcoming remarks from Jessica James, the winner of the 2017 competition, and a high energy musical performance by the Marshall Elementary School Drum Line. Following the speeches by each of the students, Claflin student and Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School graduate Esther Jones delivered an inspirational voice and piano performance that concluded with a standing ovation from the audience.

    Five community leaders served as judges for the competition including: Gail Fogle, Senior Vice President at First Citizens Bank; Murray Garvin, Head Men’s Basketball Coach at South Carolina State University; Kenneth Middleton, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Middleton Companies; Mary L. Smalls, retired Dean of Library and Information Services at South Carolina State University; and Reverend Ellis White Jr., pastor at Edisto Fork United Methodist Church in Orangeburg.

    Jimmy Jones Toyota of Orangeburg was the sponsor for the event. Thanks to the generous support from our sponsor, all of the final round participants received trophies and certificates recognizing their accomplishments and were treated to a special lunch with their Principals and coaches. In addition, the top three places received the following prizes: 1^st Place - $500, 2^nd Place - $3000, and 3^rd Place - $200. Following the presentation of awards, OCSD5 Superintendent Dr. Jesse Washington congratulated the students and offered his thanks to the sponsor. “The relationship between Jimmy Jones Toyota and the students and teachers in Orangeburg Consolidated School District Five is a great example of the positive outcomes that are possible when the business community gets involved in our community’s schools,” said Washington. “We are very grateful for the support that Mr. Jones has provided for our children and public education.”