Garden City Student Wins National Frederick Douglass Contest Again

GARDEN CITY, NY — A Garden City elementary school student is once again making his mark on the national stage.

Owen Galarza of Stratford School has been named a first-place winner in the annual National Park Service Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest, held at the end of 2025.

Competing in the ages 6 to 8 division, Owen earned the top honor for the second consecutive year.

For the competition, Owen memorized a speech from one of Frederick Douglass’ historic addresses and delivered it in person at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C.

There were contestants from 10 states, as well as some from Canada. As a first-place winner, he will be offered the opportunity to showcase the speech at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Ste in July.

Stratford Teacher Christine Mustacchio said Owen became involved in the event after learning about slavery in class.

"With the help of his mother, he showed great determination to win the competition," she said. "Having confidence from
winning in the year prior, Owen was thrilled to learn that he had won and will return in July to present his speech."