A fifth-grader has won the Dallas ISD’s MLK oratory competition according to an NBC 5 DFW article published on January 15th. In it, they say:
“Fourth-grade and fifth-grade students in Dallas ISD stepped up to the microphone at the auditorium inside W.H. Adamson High School on Friday and echoed the words of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr… This year, students were asked to answer the question: How do you think Dr. King’s teachings can help us today? … The winner Dominic Patermo, a fifth-grader from Harry C. Withers Elementary took home $2,000. Second place was Zoe Frazier, a fourth-grader from J.P. Starks Math, Science, and Technology Vanguard. She won $1,000. Dinastee McKinney, a fifth-grader from Clara Oliver Elementary got third place and $400.”
The Dallas Mavericks and NBA teamed up to judge the contest according to an article on the NBA Mavs’ official website which states:
“The annual MLK Oratory Competition was designed by Foley Gardere to recognize and encourage the writing and oratory skills of elementary students. In addition, it serves as a celebration of cultural diversity and opportunity to spotlight talented Dallas ISD students as they learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s panel of judges included Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, who returned as a judge for the second year in a row. Other judges included former Dallas Cowboy and NFL great DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Stars legend and Olympian Marty Turco, and well-known community leader, Michelle Silverthorn. Local broadcasting legend, Clarice Tinsley, served as the master of ceremonies.”
You can view Dominic Patermo’s full, winning speech on the NBC 5 article.
