Schools

Hazelwood Students Win the NCUU Martin Luther King Oratory Contest

Each of the winners will receive a $100 prize, and will present their oratories at the Martin Luther King, Jr., celebration St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley on Jan. 20.

North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice, (NCCU) named two Hazelwood School District (HSD) students as winners of its annual

The winners were Grace Bishop of Lawson Elementary School, and Nadia Rankin of Hazelwood East Middle School, according to an HSD statement.

Each won in their respective categories. The contest was held at John Knox Presbyterian Church in Florissant, and there were 12 finalists in all. Five winners were chosen from among the group.

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“Great event to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy of non-violence,” HSD Superintendent Grayling Tobias tweeted at the event. "I am proud of all contest participants for their efforts.  

"This was truly a remarkable occasion.”

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Students were asked to spend time thinking and writing about how King's life, leadership, and service benefits the world around us. 

“The judges had a difficult time picking just five winners,” said Barb Thompson, NCCU Vice President and contest coordinator. “All of the students did an admirable job.

"It was uplifting and reassuring to hear students speak about continuing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream of healing divisions..."

Each of the winners will receive a $100 prize, and will present their oratories at the Martin Luther King, Jr., celebration at 3 p.m., at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley on Jan. 20.

Other HSD finalist include: Olivia Perry, Lawson Elementary School; and Mada Sylla, Garrett Elementary School.


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