God, Flag and Country Speech Competition

Since 1967 the God, Flag and Country Oratory Program has been an integral part of the Fraternal Order Of Eagles’ drive to build patriotism and instill a sense of pride within our youth.

Friday, in cooperation with the local Fraternal Order Of Eagles, Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center held a local speech competition at John McIntire library. 52 children between the ages of 10 and 15 attended the competition and prepared a three minute speech about what God, their flag or their country means to them.

“I think the kids did awesome, it’s always very heart wrenching and very heart felt, the content of their speeches and just the personal stories that come out,” said the Gifted Coordinator of MVE, Susan Larson.

The winner for the 14 to 15 category was John Glen High School student Lorene Kelley, this is Kelley’s second time competing in the speech competition and her first win.

“I’m really excited, I won first place, I’ve never won first place in anything so it feels awesome, because I’ve lost. Well, I didn’t lose I got a participation award last year, and those aren’t always fun. I guess I didn’t give up and I came back stronger.”

Lorene along with the other winners from Friday’s competition will move on to the district level competition in March or zone level in April.