Frederick Douglass National Historic Site - For Teachers (U.S. National Park Service)

Every year the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site hosts an oratorical contest. Students of all ages are invited to participate. Students memorize a portion of one of Douglass' speeches to present during the contest, which is held during the first week of December. Students must present the speech from memory, no notecards or other aids are permitted. The speech must be obtained by the participant, the staff of the Frederick Douglass NHS does not provide materials to students.

Preparation for and participation in the Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest meets many state curriculum standards. These documents highlight the Social Studies curriculum standards for Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia and New York.

The winners of the 2008 Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest are:

Elementary (Grades 1 – 5)

1^st Place

Daevon Gurley

Strathmore Elementary School

Silver Spring, MD

2^nd Place

Sanjaya Wilson

E.L. Haynes Public Charter School

Washington, DC

Justus Lucas

P.B. Duffy School No. 12

Rochester, NY

3^rd Place

Eric Daniels

P.B. Duffy School No. 12

Rochester, NY

Casey Sheils

P.B. Duffy School No. 12

Rochester, NY

Junior High (6-8)

1^st Place

Darius Clinton

P.B. Duffy School No. 12

Rochester, NY

2^nd Place

Danielle Forehand

Oakrest Elementary School

Landover, MD

3^rd Place

Danielle Williams

P.B. Duffy School No. 12

Rochester, NY

Senior High (9-12)

1^st Place

Kadesh Dubose

The Excelsior Academy

Largo, MD

2^nd Place

Danielle Joseph

Central High School

Capitol Heights, MD

3^rd Place

Taylor Cain

Central High School

Capitol Heights, MD

The Frederick Douglass National Historic Site would like to thank all of its 2008 Oratorical Contestants who diligently studied and memorized the words of the famed abolitionist, orator, and journalist. Special congratulations to our 2008 winners!