Students from across Macon-Bibb County spent their Saturday reciting their speeches in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. student Oratorical Competition at the Elaine H. Lucas Senior Center. This year’s theme was a quote from Dr. King which states, “The difference between a dreamer and a visionary is that a dreamer has his eyes closed and a visionary has his eyes open.” 

The competition was open to all Bibb County middle and high school students. This year, eight students competed for cash prizes.  

“I’ve had the honor of working with some of the most exceptional students,” said Recreation Programmer Natalie Allen. “I am happy for the opportunity to provide a platform where students’ voices may be heard and used for the betterment of the youth in our communities. I’m really looking forward to the MLK Oratorical Competition next year And I am confident that this year’s candidates will go on to do amazing things throughout their lives.”  

The contestants were Kahilynn Peek, Quintarious Hightower, Brynn Scott, Rodreavious Sears, Taliah Hill, Kyajah Nelson, Kamaren Peek, and Mikayla Henderson. 

On Tuesday, the first-place winners for both middle and high schools, Kahilynn Peek and Quintarious Hightower, recited their speeches in front of Commissioners and the public during our Commission meeting. You can watch it here.