Shyla Scott, a senior at Richmond High School for the Arts, won first place in Richmond Public Schools’ MLK Oratorical Contest, held Saturday at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia.

Scott presented her poem “Too Black,” which analyzed the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Letter from a Birmingham Jail.” Her performance examined themes of justice and injustice, delivered with a cadence that drew from King’s speaking style.

Scott received a $500 check and a $50 gift card. She said she was nervous throughout the speech but remained confident.

“I did not just write what I just said up there for no reason,” she said. “There was always a reason behind my words, because my words represent my truth.”

Destiny Dillards, a senior at Richmond Community High School, won second place and $250. Imani Smith, a senior at RHSA, placed third and received $125. All winners received engraved trophies. The other 12 contestants each received a trophy and a $50 gift card.

The contest was a public speaking competition with student contestants from various schools across RPS to reflect and commemorate King’s powerful messages of love, unity and non-violent demonstrations.

The competition required students from RPS schools to select and analyze one of King’s speeches while studying his life and legacy.

Judges evaluated speeches based on content, delivery and overall impact.

“[The MLK Oratorical Contest] is important because it actively engages young people in learning about the message of equality and justice,” said Bernice Travers, chairwoman of the nonprofit organization Living the Dream Inc.

The contest was attended by the contestants’ friends and families, Superintendent Jason Kamras, Richmond School Board members Katie Ricard (2nd District), Wesley Hedgepeth (4th District) and Franklin Military Academy Principal Col. David Hudson.

Ricard, a former history teacher, and Hedgepeth, a current government and history teacher, noted the contestants’ potential as future leaders.

“The overall theme is that the work is not finished and there are so many similarities to the time period in which Martin Luther King spoke,” Hedgepeth said. “Today, it’s concerning and it’s also very comforting that the students understand the gravity of the situation and are facing it head first.”