BY LAWRENCE DAVIS, GUEST WRITER TO THE TIMES
ORLANDO – The brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Xi Lambda Chapter in partnership with the Hankins Johnson Education Foundation sponsored the Annual Belford V. Lawson Oratorical competition on March 16th at Valencia College in Orlando, Florida. Five high school students and one middle school student participated in the final competition. Four of the orators are members of the Young Men of Distinction (YMOD) mentoring program sponsored by the foundation. Speeches were evaluated on content, delivery, and language.
This year’s topic focused on empowering communities through education. All participants were well prepared and delivered outstanding presentations. The top three students received trophies and cash awards along with laptops. Our third-place winner, Kaden Baltimore, a 16-year-old at Boone High School received $300. Skylynn Spillman, a 13-year-old at Citrus Ridge Academy Middle School took second and received $500. Caleb Windbish, a 16-year-old at Orlando Christian Prep High School took the top spot and received $1,000. Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all who prepared and participated.
