April 17, 2025 -- The state announced the 24th Annual Statewide MLK Oratorical Contest today featured 26 Ohio youth who delivered original speeches inspired by the lessons and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The students, winners of regional contests for grades one through 12, spoke before judges and others at the King Arts Complex in Columbus.

Senior Division (grades 9-12)
 First place – Kavion Hill (Columbus Alternative High School)

Intermediate Division (grades3-5)
First place – Ali Russell (Indianola Elementary School)
 Runners-up – Tanner Rainer (Berwick Alternative K-8 School)


Primary Division (grades 1-5)
First place – Jahlil Philp (Linden STEM Academy)

Columbus City Schools students know how to Dream Big and Achieve More!