THE ANNUAL THOMAS AND WOODS FOUNDATION
MLK day speech CONTEST
live event!
JANUARY 16, 2023
"The event was wonderful. I appreciated learning more about
the students and their goals, dreams, and perspectives."
"Be the best of whatever you are."
The Contest
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspired a nation to advocate for change in part through his compelling and visionary public speeches. Today, more than ever, we need to continue to follow in his footsteps and use our voices to unite and move our communities forward.
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The Thomas and Woods Foundation hosts the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Speech Contest, which matches high school students with mentor-coaches over several weeks, empowering them to write and perform their very own speeches before a live panel of judges. The top speeches win $3,500 in scholarships!
2023 Winners announced!
On January 16, 2023, we held our annual MLK Speech Contest at MLK High School in Philadelphia, featuring five student finalists. The speeches aligned with this year's theme, "Love your enemies," and were judged by five guest judges. Approximately 60 people gathered to support the students and hear their speeches. Altogether, we gave out $3,500 in scholarships for college, trade school or other training or certification after high school! The event was hosted by 2020 contestant Ramier Jones.
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First Place: Cayla Waddington, The Mathematics, Civics, Sciences Charter School
Second Place: Antoinette Ellis, Parkway Center City Middle College
Third Place: Ava Jackson, George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science
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Finalists:
Khyree Cousins, Imhotep Charter School
Kevin Leonard, George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science
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Thanks to our judges! Councilperson Jamie Gauthier, Ward Leader Anton Moore, Ameen Akbar, Mandisa Thomas, and Alexis Forth
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We could not run this program without our coaches - thank you!
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Student Testimonials:
"The coaching set up allowed me to properly guide my thoughts and build a good overall speech, but it also allowed for me to build a speech that fit my style best."
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"The coaching sessions were very interactive and helpful."
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"The event gave me perspective on my city I was able to hear from people I'd never even heard of before, and the adults were encouraging to the ideas/ideals brought up even though they were being brought up by 'kids.' This gave me confidence to speak my mind on real life issues."
Past Winners
2022 Theme: Write a speech about one of the following quotes: “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” (Washington, DC, February 1968); "A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right." (Selma, AL, March 1965).
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First place: Kevin Leonard, G.W. Carver High School of Eng’g and Science
Second place: Erin Gill-Wilson, G.W. Carver High School of Eng’g and Science
Third place: Ja’Leah Guenther, Central High School​
Finalists: Sarah Narvaez, Daysha Cobb, Ryan Johnson, Nasir Williams
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2021 Theme: Building Resilience in 2020: How has the resilience you’ve built in 2020 prepared you for the future?
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First place winner ($2,000 scholarship): Dwayne Campbell, G.W. Carver Eng'g & Science H.S.​
Second place winner ($1,000 scholarship): Youma Diabira, Central High School
Third place winner ($500 scholarship): Dea Carter, G.W. Carver Eng'g & Science H.S.​
Finalists: Grace Chang, Dennis Chen, Malcolm Miller
PAST CONTESTS
We hosted the first Thomas and Woods Foundation Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Scholarship Contest in 2017 to give Philadelphia students the opportunity to share their views on our current political and social climate. Each student submitted an essay and then worked with a board member as a coach to turn their essays into speeches.
The contest was hosted at Martin Luther King High School on MLK Day, where over 50 people came to listen to these student's speeches. Each student was judged by local members from the community, including elected officials at the local and state level. Through the generous donations of our supporters and local organizations, we were able to award over $2,000 in scholarship money to the finalists.
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Since then, we have continued the tradition, and this year are proud to offer $3,500 in scholarship prizes to three students.
"Always feel that your life has the ultimate significance."
For questions regarding the contest, please email info@thomasandwoodsfoundation.org