ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Greyson Herbert, a fifth-grader from Severn Elementary School, took first place in the 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr., Oratorical Contest with an original monologue titled “Respect.” The event, held on March 27, 2025, and sponsored by the Anne Arundel Alliance of Black School Educators (AABSE), showcased young talent from across Anne Arundel County, celebrating the power of words and leadership.
Herbert’s winning piece focused on fostering civility despite differing opinions, urging adults to set a positive example for youth and emphasizing respect through words, actions, and deeds. His message resonated with judges and attendees, earning him the top spot among 55 participants from 14 schools. The contest, open to prekindergarten through eighth-grade students, encouraged contestants to deliver three- to five-minute performances of either original works or published pieces by iconic orators like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Amanda Gorman, and Maya Angelou.
Second place went to Desola Awosika and Penelope Alvarez-Santiago, fifth-graders from Waugh Chapel Elementary School, who delivered a stirring recitation of Gorman’s “Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem.” Their performance highlighted themes of hope and unity, captivating the audience with its rhythm and optimism. Skylar Barners, an eighth-grader from Monarch Global Academy in Laurel, secured third place with a heartfelt rendition of Angelou’s “And Still I Rise,” a poem known for its resilience and strength.
The competition began in January with individual school contests across the county. Thirteen schools hosted their own events, sending top performers to the countywide showdown. Students from schools without contests could submit entries directly to AABSE, ensuring broad participation. All elementary and middle schools in Anne Arundel County were invited to join, reflecting the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and skill-building.
Herbert’s victory underscores the contest’s goal of nurturing effective communication, self-expression, and leadership—skills deemed essential for academic achievement and lifelong success. AABSE, a network dedicated to advancing educational equity, has sponsored the event annually to honor Dr. King’s legacy of oratory and activism. This year’s turnout of 55 students marked a robust showing, with participants representing a diverse cross-section of the county’s youth.
The contest drew inspiration from historical and contemporary figures known for their eloquence. Dr. King’s speeches, like his 1963 “I Have a Dream” address, set a high bar for participants, while Gorman’s modern works, including her 2021 inaugural poem, offered fresh relevance. Herbert’s original monologue stood out for its creativity and timely message, aligning with the contest’s emphasis on both tradition and innovation.
For Awosika and Alvarez-Santiago, their duet performance showcased teamwork and precision, bringing Gorman’s lyrical call for change to life. Barners, meanwhile, channeled Angelou’s defiance and grace, proving the enduring power of classic poetry. Each winner demonstrated poise and passion, qualities AABSE aims to cultivate through such initiatives.
