Her confidence steady and her message clear, Blen Teklu’s words pierced the silence in the packed AT&T Performing Arts Center auditorium.
With a straightforward message, the Preston Hollow Elementary fourth grader reminded the audience that leadership can be meaningful at age. “Include others. Be bold. Be brave,” she said.
Teklu claimed first place in the 34th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Oratory Competition on Jan. 16. She was the first student from her campus to represent the school in the Dallas ISD-wide finals.
For her mentor, Dr. Janice Wilson, who also guided 2025 competition winner Deon Harris, the achievement reflected a meaningful generational bridge. “I am so delighted,” said Wilson. “I was her age when Dr. King was building his legacy, and to pass it on is a full circle moment for me.”
Conveying to the event’s moderator, Fox 4’s Clarice Tinsley, how she wants to become a pediatrician someday, Teklu said that for now, she is content to just be an inspiration for hope and unity.
Open to fourth-and fifth-grade students, the Dallas ISD MLK Oratory Competition series follows a three-part structure of in-school contests, semifinals, and finals, with the presenters being judged on content, delivery, interpretation, memorization, stage presence, and decorum. This year’s theme asked, “As a student of Dr. King’s life, what message of hope do you think he would have for the world today?”
Second place was awarded to Cameron Kinder, a fourth grader from Clara Oliver Elementary School. Kennedy King, a fifth grader from Solar Preparatory School for Girls, placed third. Other finalists included Marley Jenkins of Charles Rice Learning Center, Audrey Soto of Arturo Salazar Elementary School, Destiny Williams of Paul Dunbar Learning Center, and Austin Goode of Wilmer-Hutchins Elementary School.
Eight elementary students advanced to the final round after competing alongside 90 students districtwide. Each finalist delivered an original 3-to 5-minute speech incorporating lessons from King’s speeches and writings.
“My favorite part of the competition is getting to say my opinions,” said Soto.
After Teklu, the second to last student to speak, cheered for her peers, she delivered an impassioned message with the fire of Dr. King. Her voice swelling into a skyward crescendo, she concluded with an excerpt from her poem, “The Dream is On.”
“When peace is more than just a word, his message is still seen and heard. So I will dream and I will try, to lift my voice and reach the sky.”
The judges panel, which included DeMarcus Ware, Ty Montgomery, and Rolando Blackman, rose to its feet as the young orator took a composed bow.
“Keep dreaming. Keep working. Keep loving,” Teklu said. “The world can still be better because of you.”
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