JERSEY CITY – In a dramatic presentation held in the council chambers of Jersey City Hall on Feb. 21, students from public, private and Catholic Schools showed their oratory skills in the 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory Contest. Nayasha Knigge of Primary Preparatory won first place in the Grades 3 to 5 category, followed by Mecca Coley of Sacred Heart, who came in second, and Genesis Pierre-Louis from PS 37 who came in third. Honorable mentions included Bhavyata Tahna of PS 16, Gabriel Marandino of PS 37, and Yaritaza Huessa of PS 28.
Displaying a phenomenal speaking ability, Nathanael Ramdyal of PS 40, wowed the judges and drew a standing ovation from the audience in winning first place in the grades 6 to 8 category.
Marliza Mabutas of PS 24 won second place, Fitzroy Legister of St. Joseph won third. Berodelie Saint Jules of PS 24 received honorable mention along with Chibuikem Onyemaechi of PS 27 and Mark Rajah of St. Joseph.
Al Sullivan, Author of “Everyday People: Profiles from the Garden State” Rutgers University Press;
