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  • Joran, Ottiwell Finalist for 2025 Frederick Douglass Public Speaking Competition 5:08 Joran, Ottiwell Finalist for 2025 Frederick Douglass Public Speaking Competition

    Uploaded Feb 26, 2025 to Our Community
  • Seventh grade scholar Kiara Ventura won the competition with an impassioned original speech titled “Beyond Borders: The Impact of Immigration on Families.” “This is an issue that affects me, you, and all of us one way or another,” Ventura said. “Families work tirelessly to build better lives, yet they are being separated from the very people they sacrifice their blood, sweat, and tears for. Our very own parents have worked hard to support us, to give us opportunities they never had. They deserve dignity, respect, and a fair chance. No one should be deported without due process. Our people came to the United States seeking freedom, opportunity, and a future built on hard work. Yet, instead of being rewarded for our perseverance, we are being torn from our homes, from our loved ones.” 2:56 Beyond Borders: The Impact of Immigration of Families by Kiara V.

    Scholars across Alma’s network honored the life and work of Frederick Douglass with a public speaking competition on Friday, Feb. 14. <br><br>“As we hear the speeches today, on Frederick Douglass’s birthday, we will be reminded that the fight for equal rights in our nation endures over 200 years later,” Alma’s Executive Director Taylor DeLoach told the crowd. “But as you listen to our young people speak, I believe you will also feel hopeful about the power inherent in them - we are privileged to see how they are already using their education to make change.” <br><br>Seventh grade scholar Kiara Ventura won the competition with an impassioned original speech titled “Beyond Borders: The Impact of Immigration on Families.”<br><br>“This is an issue that affects me, you, and all of us one way or another,” Ventura said. “Families work tirelessly to build better lives, yet they are being separated from the very people they sacrifice their blood, sweat, and tears for. Our very own parents have worked hard to support us, to give us opportunities they never had. They deserve dignity, respect, and a fair chance. No one should be deported without due process. Our people came to the United States seeking freedom, opportunity, and a future built on hard work. Yet, instead of being rewarded for our perseverance, we are being torn from our homes, from our loved ones.”<br><br><br>Finalists in the sixth annual Frederick Douglass Public Speaking Competition were Joran Martinez, Trinity Olafikun and Norieliz Delvalle Mejia. Scholars were allowed to either write their own speech, or select to read a historically significant speech that also celebrated Black History Month, and the heritage of African Americans in the United States. <br><br><br>Alma’s newest campus is named in honor of Douglass, one of the most prominent abolitionists and civil rights leaders in the struggle for equality in the United States. Douglass lived in New Bedford in the mid-1800s after escaping slavery. His powerful testimony — both spoken and written — is a fixture in Alma’s curriculum, and scholars across grade levels study his work and life each year.<br><br><br>The public speaking competition was decided by a volunteer panel of judges including last year’s winner and Alma alum Amalya Feliciano Romero, Alma del Mar Board of Trustees member Jean Fox, Global Learning Charter Public High School Executive Director Stephen Furtado Jr., and Fun 107 Morning Show Producer Christopher “Gazelle” Arsenault. They scored each contestant on criteria including introduction of the famous speech, pronunciation, eye contact and body language.

    Uploaded Feb 24, 2025 to About Alma
  • 2024 Frederick Douglass Public Speaking Competition (Full) 12:51 2024 Frederick Douglass Public Speaking Competition (Full)

    Uploaded Feb 03, 2025
  • Elena M., winner of 2023 Public Speaking Competition 2:34 Elena M., winner of 2023 Public Speaking Competition

    Uploaded Feb 03, 2025
  • Gabe D., gives speech during 2022 Public Speaking Competition 3:28 Gabe D., gives speech during 2022 Public Speaking Competition

    Uploaded Feb 03, 2025
  • Elena M. gives speech at 2022 Public Speaking Competition 2:57 Elena M. gives speech at 2022 Public Speaking Competition

    Uploaded Feb 03, 2025

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