MARTINSVILLE, VA – A Martinsville High School student earned first place Wednesday in an oratorical contest host by Eastman Performance Films.
Ninth-grader Vex Miller won with her speech on Arthur Ashe, a professional tennis player who won three grand slam singles titles, in the Southside Speaks Black History Oratorical Contest against four finalists from area schools.
“I am very proud of the hard work of our students and the dedication of our teaching staff,” said MCPS Superintendent Dr. Zeb Talley. “This is the second consecutive year that MCPS students won this award. Writing and speaking skills are essential for student growth and academic excellence. These are lifelong learner traits and tools.”
The focus of the contest, held virtually, was to highlight African Americans from the Commonwealth of Virginia who have made significant contributions to history.
The contest seeks to provide high schoolers with the opportunity to share their writing, public speaking, and leadership skills.