The Orators

MFAZ MOHAMED ALI

With 3.3 million TikTok followers and the charisma of a movie star, Mfaz is quickly becoming a serious contender. She took third at Nationals as a junior — her first year doing OO. Mfaz is now ready to take the national stage again, but some could see her topic as too “controversial.” Does she have what it takes to steal the crown from reigning champ, Esther?

noah CHAO-DETIVEAUX

Grappling with a recent autism diagnosis and grieving the death of his mother, Noah found solace in OO, even if it is sometimes frustrating. He is determined to place in the top three – or to win the whole thing. He’s studied Esther’s performances in depth. Is he better than her?

Esther oyetunji

The returning National Champion from Fort Lauderdale, FL, who took f irst place the last two years as a sophomore and junior, is vying to defend her title. She’s already dominating the circuit and decides her final speech will argue for letting children be children, not political fodder. Can she stave off our other four competitors?

NOOR GAROUI

In a small town in Texas, Noor has experienced her share of bullying aimed at both her and her younger brother, Noah, who is disabled and nonverbal. Noor is constantly defending and validating Noah’s existence and wants the world to know that people with disabilities have the right to be seen. And heard. Can she be his voice?

sam

White, male and proudly queer, Sam is finding his own way to be unashamedly himself in Moorhead, MN. While Sam’s father fondly reminisces about going to camp and the past, Sam’s experience was not as rosy because of his sexual orientation. Will his personal story resonate with the judges?