Louisiana hosts student oratory finals during Celebrate Freedom Week

The Louisiana Department of Education, together with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute and the City of Covington, will hold the state finals for the Louisiana Reagan Oratory Competition on September 16 at the Covington Trailhead. The location is notable for featuring what is described as the world’s largest statue of Ronald Reagan.

This event is part of Celebrate Freedom Week in Louisiana. Two students from Louisiana will be selected to travel to California to compete in the national finals at the Reagan Presidential Library. The competition includes student presentations from four grade categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Younger students created artwork based on a quote from President Reagan, while older students recited excerpts from his radio addresses. Winners in grades 6-8 and 9-12 will advance to the national level.

Dr. Cade Brumley, State Superintendent of Education, said, “Celebrate Freedom Week gives us the opportunity to better understand the principles that define our nation. Through this competition, students are not just learning history. They are practicing civic engagement by honoring the freedoms and ideals that make America exceptional.”

Louisiana partnered with the Reagan Foundation this year to create a statewide division of the oratory competition as part of efforts marking both Celebrate Freedom Week and America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The contest was open to all K-12 students across Louisiana.

Celebrate Freedom Week runs from September 15 through September 19 this year and aims to promote civic understanding and constitutional literacy among students throughout Louisiana. The observance coincides with Constitution Day and Constitution Week each September.