Ella Atkins, a fifth-grader at Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy. Photo by Rex Curry.

Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy student Ella Atkins ranked in the top eight in Foley & Lardner LLP’s Annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition in January.

“Every year, our student participants are tasked with writing a speech in response to a thought-provoking prompt. This year has been no different, and I’m extraordinarily proud of our eight finalists for their hard work and enthusiasm. I’m simply awestruck by their poise, talent, and passion for sharing what Dr. King’s legacy means to them,” said Michael Newman, managing partner of Foley’s Dallas office. “These children are our future leaders, and I’m confident they will make a profound impact on our community. Our firm is honored to play a role in providing a platform for them to express their dreams and aspirations for building a brighter tomorrow.”

Fourth-and-fifth graders from 20 different schools in Dallas delivered original speeches on the topic, “What would Dr. King say to us today about hope for tomorrow?” The top eight, including Ella Atkins, spoke at the finals on January 13.

“The first time I heard her speech had goosebumps. How is a fifth grader giving this speech? It was amazing. She makes her very poignant points in class, and to hear her put it all together in a speech was a culminating moment for her as an elementary school student moving to middle school,” Elizabeth Sanders, Atkins’ 5th-grade teacher said. “It was a whole win for all of us that she went to the finals.”

Atkins, a fifth-grader at Walnut Hill International Leadership Academy delivered a speech about hope.

“Today, Dr. King would remind us that our hopes will only become reality when we put in the work and effort,” she said.

Atkins went on to discuss King’s time in Birmingham Jail, citing boycotts, sit-ins, and marches as action taken in the 60s, relating it to fighting for civil rights today through voting, education and activism.

“Ella’s participation in the MLK Competition is something I’m going to remember forever. As a parent, I was so proud to see her stand on that stage with such poise and deliver her speech. She captivated me and inspired me with every word,” her mother Michelle Atkins said.

The annual competition is held in Dallas, Houston and Chicago. This year’s winners are Zihair Douglas, a fifth-grader at Thomas L. Marsalis Elementary STEAM Academy in Dallas, Kadence Smith, a fifth-grader at James H. Law Elementary in Houston, and Harper Williams, a fifth-grader at Robert A. Black Elementary in Chicago.

“The MLK Competition was amazing. I entered the competition so I could become more confident speaking in front of others. That was my main goal. I feel like I accomplished that goal and got to learn even more about my history. It was nice to get to meet other students in the competition, too,” said Atkins.