Much study, preparation and memorization culminated Monday in six fourth through sixth graders and two seventh and eighth graders reciting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s. “I Have a Dream” speech at the Navarro County Branch of NAACP’s oratory contest.
First place winner in the younger category was first-time participant Stephen Marr, with veteran orator Branden West taking first in the older, more difficult bracket.
The event, which was very well attended, has become a Corsicana tradition on the national holiday to honor Dr. King, and his peaceful contributions to equality in the United States.
Judges for the oratory contest were Molly Sparks, Wardine Waters and Rowena Winfrey. Elmeree Burrell was the coordinator of the event, and urged adults to give of their time to mentor students, even helping them learn the famous speech.
Participants in the younger category included Elijah Griffin, Keshawn Kelley, Ashley Bradley, Jakeitha Lewis, Marr, and Johnny Garcia, younger brother of Jennifer Garcia, veteran of the older group, who won second. Branden West took first place, and $100 (as did Marr) and a certificate of accomplishment. Johnny Garcia garnered second place in the younger bracket, and Ashley Bradley placed third.
Kary Evans, a student at Navarro College, presented Dr. King’s biography. Evelyn Nelson led the audience in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” by James Weldon Johnson, in addition to two solos. A praise song was performed by Ricky Walters and Lifeline Church and Family Fellowship. Shannon Bailey wowed the crowd with his rendition (in character) of Ray Charles’ “Georgia On My Mind.”
Miss Juneteenth 2009, Nodia Washington of Mildred High School, was the mistress of ceremonies, and told the crowd, “This is not a black holiday. It’s a people holiday ... Look around,” Washington said. “We are reaching his dream. Not only do we have black kids up here, we have everything.”
Washington also noted that she bet three-quarters of the audience could not recite the “I Have a Dream” speech, regardless of how many times they had heard it. She congratulated each student for memorizing the speech, and delivering it with emotion, and passion.
“It takes courage to get up here and do this,” she said.
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Youth recite speech at MLK event
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Memorial Day ceremony honors servicemen, women
Navarro County turned out in numbers Monday to honor those who made the ultimate sacrafice in service to the U.S. military.
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One killed, five hurt in Interstate rollover
One man was killed and five others injured Sunday when a Ford Expedition rolled several times and jumped a cable barrier on Interstate 45 south of Corsicana.
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Memorial Day services Monday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Monday is Memorial Day, and Corsicana will host two separate ceremonies to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.
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Downtown's 'The Diner' to close its doors Thursday
The Diner, in downtown Corsicana, will close its doors after the close of business Thursday, owner Richard Arnett said Sunday.
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Sample Ballots, Polling Places for May 29 Election
Click this link to get sample ballots for the May 29 Primary Election
Early voting
Early voting will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays Monday thru Friday May 14 through May 18, and May 21 through May 25, 2012, in the basement of the Navarro County Courthouse, 300 W. Third Ave., Corsicana.
Early voting will be held on the weekend from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday May 19, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, in the basement of the Navarro County Courthouse, 300 W. Third Ave., Corsicana. -
Commissioners to meet Tuesday
The Navarro County Commissioners Court is scheduled to meet in special session at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 29, in the county courtroom of the Navarro County Courthouse.
The meeting was moved from Monday, May 28, due to the Memorial Day holiday. -
Business News
The Texas Bankers Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Texas Bankers Association, presented a Cornerstone Award to Community National Bank & Trust of Texas, Corsicana
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Local Beat 5/28/12
A listing of meetings and events of interest from throughout Navarro County
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Candidate Q&A: U.S. Representative, District 6
The race for District 6
After the redistricting conflicts that took nearly eight months and multiple lawsuits to resolve, a new congressional districts were carved out, but Navarro County remains in District 6 with incumbent Representative Joe Barton.
However, Barton is facing his toughest challenge to his seat in more than a decade. He has four Republican opponents in the primary, and four Democrats are also vying for the seat in that primary.
All the candidates in both parties were given the same questions and asked to submit their answers for Corsicana Daily Sun readers. These are the four responses we received.
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CHS Val and Sal speeches
Corsicana High School held graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2012 Friday at the CHS Gymnasium. Ryan Hitt was chosen valedictorian, and Alberto Miranda was the salutatorian. Here are the speeches delivered by the two at the Friday ceremonies.
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