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Congratulations to the finalist and winners of the first annual, Lorna C. Hill Speaking Contest of the Buffalo Public Schools. The contest finals, held on 4/8/22 in the Ujima Theater, featured fierce competition. All participating scholars are winners and did a phenomenal job!
The Top winners/finalists and their coaches will enjoy an all expenses paid trip to NYC for theater workshops and a Broadway play. Congratulations:
1st - Trinity Smith-Emerson High School
Coach: Ms. Stephanie Courtney
2nd - Kennedy Rutledge
City Honors School
Coach: Ms. Karen Saxon
3rd - Alanna Littleton
Emerson
Coach: Ms. Stephanie Courtney
4th - Ella Slomba
Olmsted High School
Coaches: Ms. Deborah Bertlesman & Ms. Sarah Averill
Additionally the top two winners, Trinity Smith and Kennedy Rutledge, will receive paid theater internships at Ujima Theater in the fall.
This was an amazing and collaborative effort and partnership with the Ujima Theater company and the Office of CLRI.
Lorna C. Hill was a community giant, artistic director and founder of Ujima Theater Company. A former teacher and friend to the Buffalo Public Schools, her many years of artistic collaboration, social Justice advocacy, and love for young people has left an indelible imprint on all who knew her in the Buffalo Community. We recognize her educational impact and legacy, through this high school speaking contest named in her honor!! 🔥🔥
