Watch CBS News

Baltimore Students Speak About Importance Of Education In Oratory Contest

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Celebrating Black History Month. Sunday, students spoke about the importance of education while competing in WJZ's Black History Oratory Contest.

Adam May has more.

Twenty students from across Maryland competed in the Black History Oratory Contest at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, part of WJZ's Continuing Community Commitment.

Each speech was based on one of three famous quotes.

"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those that prepare for today," eleventh-grader Ashia Ryan said.

Ryan, from Western Tech High School, won first place.

"When we let the opportunities we have to learn slip away, we pay for it in the future," said Zach Campbell with Trinity Academy Homeschool who came in second.

"Without an education, I would not be the person I am today," said Autumn Walker from Friends School who also finished in the top three.

Ryan actually has her quote from Malcolm X hanging on her bedroom wall.

"It's something I live by, something I look to for the encouragement to keep going, keep studying, do well in school," she said. "So it was coincidence to have this presented me and to talk about it because it's something I know well."

The winners received scholarships and prizes.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.