Louisiana students advance to national Ronald Reagan oratory contest after state wins

Two Louisiana students have been selected to compete in the national Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition after winning top honors at a state-level event held during Celebrate Freedom Week. Lincoln Trumps from Lafayette High and Olivia Norris from West Feliciana Middle earned first place in their respective grade levels, securing spots at the national finals hosted at the Reagan Presidential Library in California.

The competition took place in Covington, Louisiana, which is home to what is described as the world’s largest Ronald Reagan statue. The event was organized through a partnership between the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, and the City of Covington as part of activities marking America’s 250th anniversary.

Students competed across four grade categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Younger students created artwork based on a quote from President Reagan about freedom, while older students recited excerpts from his radio addresses.

Lincoln Trumps won the high school division for grades 9-12 by reciting an excerpt from one of President Reagan’s radio addresses. Other finalists in this category included Cecilia Flanders of North DeSoto High and Joe Lewis of Winnfield Senior High.

Olivia Norris took first place in the middle school division for grades 6-8 with her recitation. Finalists Sawyer Smith from West Feliciana Middle and Ganapathy Subrahmaniam from Benton Middle also participated.

In other divisions, Henry Fauber from Benton Intermediate School won among upper elementary students (grades 3-5), while Meredith Yantis from Bains Lower Elementary was recognized for her artwork representing freedom among lower elementary participants (grades K-2).

The event featured remarks by Covington Mayor Mark Johnson; Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana State Superintendent of Education; Megan Gately, Director of Learning and Engagement at the Reagan Foundation; and Trey Folse, LDOE assistant superintendent.

St. Tammany Parish Public Schools were represented through student participation. The Northshore High JROTC presented colors during opening ceremonies; Beija Lopes-Morgan led the Pledge of Allegiance; and Molly Lemmler sang the National Anthem.

Moderators Adam Dibenedetto and Sabre Payne from LDOE guided proceedings while judges included Megan Bella (Legislative Youth Advisory Council), Megan Gately (Reagan Foundation), and Jennifer Tuttleton (LDOE).

Celebrate Freedom Week is observed statewide each September to promote civic understanding and constitutional literacy among Louisiana students. It coincides with Constitution Day and Constitution Week to ensure age-appropriate instruction on foundational U.S. principles.