The annual Gardere MLK JR. oratory competition

Established in Dallas in 1993 by Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, and expanded to Houston in 1997, the Annual Gardere MLK Jr. Oratory Competition is hosted each year in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Presented in the spirit of learning and celebration, the competition is designed to highlight the cultural diversity of the community while recognizing and encouraging the writing and presentation skills of elementary school students.  
Eight students in Dallas and 12 students in Houston compete in the FINAL oratory competition. Nearly 400 fourth- and fifth-grade students, representing 39 elementary schools, competed at in-school competitions to reach the semi-finals. From there, finalists are selected.