Denmark, SC, — Voorhees University is proud to announce that two of its students, Prince Osei and Rose Darensberg, have been recognized as top honorees in the 2026 HBCU Oratorical Challenge, a national virtual competition held on April 18, 2026, and hosted by the DreamHouse Foundation. The competition brought together students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country to demonstrate excellence in public speaking, critical thinking, and creative expression.
Prince Osei — 1st Place, Prepared Public Speaking
Prince Osei, a freshman at Voorhees University, claimed first place in the Prepared Public Speaking category, earning a $1,000 cash prize. Osei delivered a compelling and polished presentation that demonstrated exceptional clarity, confidence, and command of the subject matter. His performance exemplified the highest standard of prepared oratory and reflects the strong academic foundation Voorhees University provides its students.
Rose Darensberg — 1st Place, Extemporaneous Public Speaking
Rose Darensberg, a doctoral education student at Voorhees University, earned first place in the Extemporaneous Public Speaking category, also receiving a $1,000 cash prize. Darensberg showcased remarkable poise and intellectual agility, delivering a thoughtful and well-structured response under time constraints. Her performance reflected a mastery of extemporaneous speaking and demonstrated the depth of scholarship cultivated within Voorhees University’s graduate programs.
“We are incredibly proud of Prince and Rose for their outstanding achievements at the 2026 HBCU Oratorical Challenge. Their success is a testament to the excellence, dedication, and intellectual strength that define the Voorhees University community. They have represented our institution with distinction, and we celebrate their remarkable accomplishments,” Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, Voorhees President & CEO.
The HBCU Oratorical Challenge, an initiative of the DreamHouse Foundation, is designed to cultivate leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills among HBCU students nationwide. The 2026 competition featured categories including Prepared Public Speaking, Extemporaneous Public Speaking, and Spoken Word Recitation, with participants evaluated by a panel of distinguished judges.