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Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Xi Lambda Chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Eta Nu Omega Chapter hosted the 35th Annual Oratorical Contest at the Riverside County Office of Education, Riverside, California on Saturday, February 18, 2023. Young scholars demonstrated their public speaking skills in three different categories: Grade School, Middle School, and High School. Over 30 participants took part in the speech competition.
L/R: Dr. Charles Brown (A Phi A, Mu Xi Lambda Vice President), Twillea Evans-Carthen (AKA Eta Nu Omega Chair), James Kennedy, David Eoff V, Xavier Buffong, Wanda Khan, Sophia Barrett, Lauren Stewart, Isaiah Buffong, BrookeMonae Westbrook, Natalie Castro, Ruth Rembert (AKA Eta Nu Omega President), and Dar’rell Jones (A Phi A Chair).
This year’s theme was “Overcoming Stereotypes.” Young scholars shared some stereotypes and prejudices they have faced and what they have done to overcome them. Participants also shared what they can do to change other people’s prejudices, stereotypes, and discriminatory practices.
Audience included parents, family members, friends, and Riverside County Office of Education executives. All scholars were provided with a certificate of recognition from the organizers and from Assembly Member Corey Jackson, 60th District.
Winners in each category received a monetary award.
Elementary
Xavier Buffong – 1st place – $200.00
David Eoff V- 2nd Place- $100.00
James Kennedy – 3rd Place- $75.00
Middle School
Lauren Stewart – 1st Place- $300.00
Sophia Barrett – 2nd Place- $200.00
Warda Khan – 3rd Place- $100.00
High School
Natalia Castro – 1st Place- $500.00
BrookeMonae Westbrook – $300.00
Isaiah Buffong- 3rd Place- $150.00
Congratulations to these young scholars. The community looks forward to their participation next year as we celebrate the 36th year of the Oratorical Contest offered to students in the Inland Empire. Students who will be attending college in the fall of 2023, we wish them much success in their educational and career goals.
Oratorical Contest Committee Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Mu Xi Lambda Chapter and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Eta Nu Omega Chapter
