The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), in partnership with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute and the City of Covington, hosted the Louisiana Reagan oratory state finals on September 16 at the Covington Trailhead, which is the location for the world’s largest statue of former President Ronald Reagan.
The Covington Trailhead was the scene of the Oratory Program, decked out in American Flags and red, white and blue balloon arches.
The event was part of Louisiana’s annual Celebrate Freedom Week, and more than 50 people took part. The competition culminated with two Louisiana students earning a trip to compete in the Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition finals at the Reagan Presidential Library in California.
Covington Mayor Mark Johnson welcomed the visitors to the city. In addition to student presentations, the event featured talks by Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley, Reagan Foundation representatives, state and local officials, and community leaders, including former School Superintendent Trey Folse, who is now the Assistant Superintendent for School Systems Relations, La. Dept. of Education.
The Northshore High School JROTC took part in the Presentation of Colors, Beija Lopes-Morgan of Fontainebleau High School led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Molly Lemmier with the Fontainebleau High School Talented Music Program led in the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner.
"Celebrate Freedom Week gives us the opportunity to better understand the principles that define our nation,” said Dr. Brumley. “Through this competition, students are not just learning history. They are practicing civic engagement by honoring the freedoms and ideals that make America exceptional."
The program included student presentations from all four grade levels. Students in K-2 were asked to study a quote from President Reagan and create artwork that illustrates what freedom means to them. Students in all other grade levels were asked to recite a selected excerpt from one of President Reagan’s radio addresses. The overall winners in grades 6-8 and 9-12 will receive a trip to the national finals, which will include middle and high school students from across the country.
Louisiana and the Reagan Foundation launched a special statewide division of the Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition this year to honor Celebrate Freedom Week and America’s 250th anniversary. Students across Louisiana engaged with a selected radio address by President Reagan, focusing on the enduring importance of freedom. The Louisiana competition was open to students in grades K-12.
Celebrate Freedom Week, which is September 15-19 this year, is a statewide observance that promotes civic understanding and constitutional literacy among Louisiana students. Held annually in September to coincide with Constitution Day and Constitution Week, the week ensures students receive age-appropriate instruction on the founding principles of the United States.
(Information Source: La. Dept. of Education website)
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