The Inaugural OCSD5 Dr. MLK Oratory Competition was held January 16th at New Mount Zion Baptist Church. Our on Fourth-grader Anna-Lee Bonner of Brookdale Elementary School placed third in the competition.

She said, “It matters to me that mothers cannot afford to put food on the table. It matters to me that young gangsters aren’t becoming graduates. It matters to me that people are losing their jobs in this economy.”

“No more of my classmates afraid to go to school because they are being bullied,” Bonner said. “No more burned-out teachers from students who are off task. … We deserve an education, more mentors and tutors to guide us on the path to success.”