Are you creative when it comes to the spoken word?

If so, then an upcoming oratorical contest is specifically designed for you.

Committee on the Affairs for Kids (COAKids), a newly created organization, will sponsor its inaugural Oratorical Contest beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Little Theater (Band Room) on the campus of Bertie High School.

Entitled “I Am the Dream’, this event is open to all ages of those residing in Bertie County and surrounding communities. COAKids officials chose the theme and the date of the event to help celebrate Black History Month in the local area.

“We want you to become involved in this event as we address the issues that have an impact on our kids,” said Patricia Ferguson, a former Bertie County Commissioner who has remained active in her home county with several projects over the years.

Ferguson said the “I Am the Dream” idea was designed to allow local children and adults an opportunity to express their creativity.

The event will be judged in five different age groups – students enrolled in elementary school, middle school and high school as well as categories for young adults (ages 18-35) and adults (age 36-and-over).

“You will be judged on originality, creativity, clarity of speech or presentation and staying on topic,” Ferguson said.

Each group has time limits on their presentations – elementary (1-2 minutes), middle school (2-3 minutes), high school (3-4 minutes), young adults and adults (3-5 minutes).

The presentations can be performed solo or with a group. The use of poetry, music and other artistic forms is permitted.

Ferguson encouraged early registration as each category will be limited to 10 contestants.

Registration can be done online at coakids@coastalnet.com or by calling either 252-332-7749 or 252-794-6563.