Third-grader Reyaan Vallala beat out 50 other students during Cactus Ranch’s annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition this past week.
Reyaan battled it out against eight other students during the final round Jan. 19. The competition required students to reflect on a quote from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“We must accept finite disappointment, but we must never lose infinite hope.”
Afterward, students were asked to share 2 minutes of wisdom inspired by the quote with their classmates. Speakers were judged on their interpretation and creativity, as well as their stage presence and delivery.
Reyaan said he was excited and nervous, and he studied about Martin Luther King, Jr. prior to the competition.
He said the quote inspired him to never lose hope.
“If I face disappointment it will be OK to me, but I have to keep moving forward with my hope,” he said.
The top 8 students who competed will recite their speeches again at the February 15th board meeting from 5:15-5:30 p.m.
