MaSangay Sando of the U.T-YMCA Community high school in Margibi County and Benetta T. Konyon of Mountserrado County emerged victorious at the 2026 edition of Voices Liberia THE STAGE 005, an annual academic competition that showcases the talents of Liberian students in essay writing, oratory and spoken word poetry.
MaSangay dominated the competition by winning both the Essay Writing and Oration categories, earning the event’s Kid of the Night honor, while Benetta Konyon captured the Spoken Word Poetry title.
Performing under the theme, “If Not Us, Then Who? If Not Now, Then When? Reimagining Liberia Together,” MaSangay challenged Liberians to take responsibility for national development. In one of the night’s most powerful moments, she declared, “Liberia is not poor. The problem is that hope has become poor. And when hope dies, people run. But when hope lives, people build.” She also urged citizens to stop waiting for others, saying, “The future is not waiting for America’s visa… The future is waiting for us – right here, right now.”
Benetta Konyon’s moving spoken word performance reflected on Liberia’s painful history while inspiring hope for renewal. Drawing from biblical examples, she proclaimed, “Reimagining Liberia together—not for elites alone,” and concluded with the stirring call, “No more waiting. The foundation is calling. We are the righteous. We will repair it. Now! Us! Together!”
Voices Liberia Executive Director and Team Leader, Enoch Godson Brooks congratulated the winners and called on the Government of Liberia and development partners to continue supporting educational initiatives that nurture young talent.
The organization also continues to promote academic excellence through its nationwide high school debate championship across 12 of Liberia’s 15 counties.
Among those in attendance were Ms. Cecelia Delphine Kolee, Voices Liberia Ambassador and journalist Emmanuel M. Kangar, Media Ambassador.
The event was organized by a well organized committee headed by Miss Rachel Davis and featured last year’s winner, Virotee Saye, who served as one of the judges.
