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Garden City Today
By the People, for the People
Garden City Student Wins National Frederick Douglass Contest Again
Owen Galarza of Stratford School takes top honor for second consecutive year.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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A Garden City elementary school student, Owen Galarza of Stratford School, has been named a first-place winner in the annual National Park Service Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest for the second year in a row. Competing in the ages 6 to 8 division, Owen memorized and delivered one of Frederick Douglass' historic speeches at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C., besting contestants from 10 states and Canada.
Why it matters
The Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest aims to honor the legacy of the renowned abolitionist and orator by challenging young students to study and recite his powerful speeches. Owen's back-to-back wins showcase his exceptional public speaking abilities and dedication to preserving Douglass' impactful words.
The details
For the competition, Owen memorized and delivered one of Frederick Douglass' historic addresses in person at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C. As a first-place winner, he will be offered the opportunity to showcase the speech at the historic site in July.
- Owen won the contest in 2025.
- Owen will present his speech at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in July.
The players
Owen Galarza
A student at Stratford School in Garden City, New York, who has won the National Park Service Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest for two consecutive years.
Stratford School
The elementary school in Garden City, New York, that Owen Galarza attends.
Christine Mustacchio
A teacher at Stratford School who said Owen became involved in the event after learning about slavery in class and showed great determination to win the competition.
National Park Service
The organization that hosts the annual Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest.
Frederick Douglass
The renowned abolitionist and orator whose historic speeches are the focus of the oratorical contest.
What they’re saying
“With the help of his mother, he showed great determination to win the competition.”
— Christine Mustacchio, Teacher (Patch.com)
“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.”
— Christine Mustacchio, Teacher (Patch.com)
What’s next
Owen will present his winning speech at the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in July.
The takeaway
Owen Galarza's back-to-back wins in the prestigious Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest demonstrate the power of dedication, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the legacy of one of America's most influential historical figures.
