Young individuals from juvenile facilities across Maryland will present their speeches at the Maryland Court of Appeals on November 19. This event marks the 20th annual Department of Juvenile Services Oratorical Contest, where families, supporters, and state officials will gather to listen to the contestants.
The contest is hosted by the Court of Appeals and sponsored by the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) alongside the Maryland State Department of Education. Judge Clayton Greene Jr. from the Court of Appeals will preside over the event. Media representatives are invited to attend.
Participants in this contest have previously won oratorical competitions within DJS facilities throughout Maryland. The essays, lasting three to five minutes, are inspired by Edgar Albert Guest's poem "Myself." A portion of the poem reads: “I have to live with myself and so, I want to be fit for myself to know. … I never can hide myself from me; I see what others may never see; I know what others may never know, I never can fool myself and so, whatever happens I want to be self-respecting and conscience free.”
Judge Greene commented on the significance of this opportunity: “This is a wonderful chance for these young people, who have gotten to know the justice system in unfortunate and unenviable ways, to interact with the courts in a positive way and have their voices heard at the highest level.”
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., taking place at Maryland Court of Appeals located at 361 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis.
For more information or media inquiries, contact the Maryland Judiciary Office of Communications and Public Affairs at 410-260-1488.
The Department of Juvenile Services emphasizes privacy for youths involved with their services. Media personnel are advised not to disclose any identifiable information about these youths without explicit consent or court orders.