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Participants of the 2016 Alpha Phi Alpha/Alpha Kappa Alpha Oratorical contest, with committee members Samantha Dotson, Kevin Eastman, and AKA chapter President, Linda Gaines-Brooks.
HEMET, CA- Students from Inland Empire schools converged on West Valley High School, for the 27th annual Alpha Phi Alpha/Alpha Kappa Alpha Oratorical Contest, sponsored by the Mu Xi Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and the Eta Nu Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The contest was co-chaired by Kevin Eastman, of Alpha Phi Alpha, and Samantha Dotson, of Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Twenty-five students, in grades 2 through 12, delivered oral presentations on pre-determined topics. They took full advantage of the opportunity to dazzle the panel of judges, with breath-taking speeches on the importance of education, the effects of bullying, and how modern media affects today’s society.
Members of Alpha Phi Alpha, and Alpha Kappa Alpha served as judges. The judges were: Educators Linda Gaines-Brooks and Charlotte Black, City of Perris’ Mayor Pro Tem Tonya Burke, and Actor/Author Joseph C. Phillips. The City of Rialto’s IT and Purchasing Manager William Jernigan served as the Head Judge. At the competition’s conclusion, Mr. Phillips commended the participants on their efforts, and offered some personal coaching on public speaking.
Each participant received a certificate from California State Assembly Member Cheryl Brown. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each grade group each received a trophy and a cash prize. The winners were: in the elementary school group (grades 1 through 5): 1st place – Aisa John-Niece Ingram, 2nd place – Jennifer Aravelo, and 3rd place – Asia Ingram. In the middle school group (grades 6 through 8): 1st place – Kiana Martinez (the only competitor). In the high school group (grades 9 through 12): 1st place – Fiona Monte, 2nd place – Annika Kim, and 3rd place – Cynthia Gould.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.’s Mu Xi Lambda chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Eta Nu Omega chapter, are community service organizations in the Inland Empire, and are involved in social activities and causes throughout the region, such as voter education and registration, and mentoring programs for young adults. For more information on Alpha Phi Alpha, visit the fraternity’s website at: www.apa1906.net. For more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha, visit the sorority’s website at: www.aka1908.com.
