Dr. Cade Brumley Louisiana State Superintendent of Education | https://www.nsula.edu
The Louisiana Department of Education and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute have started a statewide oratory competition for students as part of Celebrate Freedom Week and in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary. The event is open to students from kindergarten through twelfth grade across Louisiana.
According to the announcement, "This special Louisiana division of the national Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition invites students in grades K–12 to reflect on the theme of freedom and President Reagan’s legacy. Finalists will be selected to compete in a state-level event during Celebrate Freedom Week, and the middle and high school winners will earn a trip to the national competition at the Reagan Presidential Library."
Students are expected to engage with a selected radio address by President Reagan that highlights the ongoing importance of freedom. Resources for participation, including guidance and submission tools, are available online by division. All entries must be submitted by September 1.
The competition has different requirements based on grade level:
- High school students (grades 9–12) must recite the full radio address and will be evaluated on clarity, delivery, and interpretation.
- Middle school students (grades 6–8) are asked to recite an excerpt from the address with similar judging criteria.
- Students in grades 3–5 will recite a short excerpt with expression, create an original drawing related to its meaning, and explain how their artwork reflects their understanding of freedom.
- The youngest participants (grades K–2) will study a quote from President Reagan, produce an illustration about what freedom means to them, and describe how their drawing connects to their understanding.
Two student winners—one each from middle school and high school—will advance to compete at the national finals held at the Reagan Presidential Library in California.
"Students across Louisiana will engage with a selected radio address by President Reagan, focusing on the enduring importance of freedom. Competition resources, guidance, and submission tools are available online by division. Submissions are due by September 1," according to organizers.
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