THE HISTORY OF THE ORATORICAL CONTEST
Shortly after the formation of the Clergymates of Prince George’s County it was decided that we would do one community outreach project in the form of a countywide Oratorical Contest. The purpose of the contest was to give a forum for the development of public speaking skills in our youth. The first contest was held in 1986 and has been held yearly, without interruption, ever since then. The contestants are sponsored by their church. Any church in the DC metropolitan area may participate in the contest. An introductory letter, application form and contest rules can be found here.
DATE & VENUE
Where: St. Paul Church
6419 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747
When: Saturday, March 20, 2020
Time: 2PM
RULES & EXPECTATIONS
Each contestant is expected to present a three to five minute memorized speech on a given subject. This years topic: “How do I demonstrate Christianity in the face of bullying, discrimination and violence?”
SELECTION PROCESS
Contestants are judged by independent judges, who have no relationship with the participating churches. The contestants are judged in four areas: content, delivery, speech organization, and poise. The decision are final.
2019 ORATORICAL CONTEST RECAP
Church Participants
Abyssinia Baptist Church (Rev. Dr. Robert W. Trice, Jr.)
Antioch Baptist Church (Rev. Dr. Tyrone C. Petty)
First Baptist Church of Glenarden (Rev. John K. Jenkins, Sr.)
First Baptist Church of North Brentwood (Rev. Dr. Duane T. Kay, Sr.)
From the Heart Church Ministries (Rev. John A. Cherry II)
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church (Rev. Charles E. Cato)
Zion Baptist Church (Rev. Keith Byrd, Sr.)
Winners by Category
Category I (Grades 4-6)
1st Place: Layla Johnson (From the Heart Church Ministries)
2nd Place: Aniya Witherspoon (Abyssinia Baptist Church)
3rd Place: Kamryn Holley (First Baptist Church of North Brentwood)
Category II (Grades 7-9)
1st Place: Mia Owens (Mt. Calvary Baptist Church)
2nd Place: Nathaniel Sharp (Abyssinia Baptist Church)
3rd Place: Hanna Pedit (From the Heart Ministries)
Category III (Grades 10-12)
1st Place: Nia Peake (Mt. Calvary Baptist Church)
2nd Place: Kaleb Anderson (Zion Baptist Church)
3rd Place: Alexandra Pinckney (First Baptist Church of Glenarden)
