Canton student Marleigh Stewart wins contest

Special to The Canton News 

Marleigh Stewart, a student at Canton High School and member of South Liberty Missionary Baptist Church, has been named the winner of the James E. Todd Oratorical Contest, hosted by the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, Inc.

Stewart, who also recently earned the title of Miss Canton High Runner-Up, competed in the high school seniors’ division of the state-wide oratorical scholarship contest. As the contest winner, she will now go on to represent Mississippi at the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. in June.

Stewart is a member of South Liberty M.B. Church in Canton, where Rev. Dr. Antoine Barlow serves as pastor.

The James E. Todd Oratorical Contest provides high school seniors with the opportunity to develop and present speeches focused on issues of faith, leadership and community service, with winners advancing to compete on the national level.

Stewart’s selection to represent the state places her among student leaders recognized for their public speaking and academic skills.