AMERICA | A brilliant 9-year-old girl named Montoia Murray
has emerged as the winner of the Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition in Houston, Texas, earning a $1,000 cash prize for her outstanding performance.
Murray, a fourth grader at Houston Independent School District’s Blackshear Elementary, spent weeks preparing for the prestigious competition, which honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
With the guidance of her school librarian, she crafted a powerful five-minute and 20-second speech for the 28th annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition. The speech addressed the topic:
“What Would Martin Luther King Jr. Say 60 Years After His Historic ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech?
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Montoia devoted time not only to memorizing her speech but also to perfecting her stance, hand gestures, and posture to deliver an impactful performance. On the day of the finals, she confidently took the stage, captivating the audience with her words and presence.
Her dedication paid off as she secured first place, becoming the winner among 12 fourth and fifth graders in Houston who participated in the contest.
Speaking to the Houston Chronicle, Montoia described the moment as emotional, saying she was so overwhelmed with joy that she burst into tears, realizing her hard work had finally paid off.
Murray’s mother, ChaDanet Murray said in tears that she is proud that her daughter had won, shouting her praise from the audience. “Whatever role that you give her, she’s just willing to take that challenge, and she’s not afraid of it.,” Chadnet Murray said.
”Whatever you dish out to her, she’s good. She is a singer, so she’s not afraid of the stage at all. She actually comes alive on the stage. That’s her domain. That’s where she shines,” she added.
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