More Than MLK's Words And Dreams

"And how did he start it? He started it through his voice, you know. Through just speaking up for what is right. And not being afraid of what people think of you, but knowing what is right and setting aside all other things," an excited and boisterous Cecile said.

"He was probably just writing how he feels and that became his speech and he wanted to express to everybody what he could. I think that is exactly what we are doing right now," Emoni said, nodding.

The emotionally charged topic was planned to energize the students, to get them to rise up to the challenge, said Jessie, who helped start the contest to showcase the talents of minority students. The contest is open to minority students in public schools in the county and in Manassas and Manassas Park.

"We have done what we wanted to do -- to somehow touch the consciousness of people. Not just to educate them but make them want to do something, and Dr. King always had that gift," said Jessie, principal of Vaughan Elementary School in Woodbridge.

Contestants will compete for a prize package of up to $1,400 in savings bonds. The students will give their speeches separately before the judges and an audience tomorrow, with their families in attendance.

"It feels great, and I am proud of him," said Nack Yeboah, Seth's father.

Yeboah, who's from Ghana, said he took his five children, ages 21 months to 12 years, to Africa for two months last summer. "We try to educate them so they have the idea of what happens in most parts of Africa," he said.

Cecile's relatives they would take up several rows of seats in the chapel to holler their support.

"I think she is following in the footsteps of her mom by being a person who is not afraid to step out and take a chance," said her uncle, Ted Coopwood, who has been raising Cecile since her mother died last year. "This is going to give her the opportunity to blossom even more into the person she is becoming. . . . This is another platform for her to just grow."

Facilia August said it is exciting to watch her daughter Emoni get "a sparkle in her" while she uses her love of writing and drama to gain a better understanding of a world situation.

"You see how serious they take it. It is a performance opportunity, a chance to get the word out, to show that your voice does mean something," August said.

"It speaks to the depth and knowledge of the kids selected for the final round. And it speaks to their intellect. They are children, and it speaks to the hope and beauty of our future leaders," said William Reid III, principal at Godwin and a judge in the competition's high school division.

The three high school finalists are Khadijatu Rahim, a senior at Woodbridge Senior; Tatianna Taylor, a junior at Forest Park Senior; and Victoria Nguyen, a senior at Gar-Field Senior.

Reid said the program is always "gripping, demonstrative and sincere."

"Success at this level simply breeds more success," he said.