Plainfield Freshman Wins Martin Luther King Oratory Contest

Plainfield North High School freshman Lauren Latimore recently won the fourth annual Martin Luther King Oratory Contest.

Latimore was one of about 10 high school students who spoke about leadership and what it means to empower disenfranchised individuals.

The contest is sponsored by Agape Connection, Inc., a nonprofit organization providing educational and cultural initiatives for children in the western suburbs.

Her first-place win earned her a $1,500 scholarship and, she said, some bragging rights -- her brother, David won the same contest, but he was a PNHS junior at the time, Latimore said.

She wrote her speech like a diary entry. For inspiration, Latimore talked to her father, who is a pastor, and others about disenfranchisement.

Latimore was surprised and shocked when she won, she said.

“I think the best part was when they said my name for first place winner and I got up to the podium unable to believe my eyes,” she said.

PNHS Principal Ross Draper encouraged Latimore to enter the contest. He said he wasn’t at all surprised she won.

“Lauren is an intelligent, well-spoken and mature freshman,” Draper said. “I am definitely proud of her and thankful we have such capable students like her that represent North in such a positive light.”

Although she’s a freshman, Latimore is already planning for her future. She is considering a career in law or in writing.

“I like the idea of arguing with people using evidence,” she said.

Submitted by District 202