The God, Flag and Country Speech Competition

 The Zanesville Fraternal Order of Eagles #302 and Muskingum Valley Education Service Center held the God, Flag and Country Speech Competition on Friday.

68 students representing five districts from South-East Ohio participated in the competition held at the John Mcintire Library Auditorium. This program is aimed to instill Patriotism and Fraternalism in young adults while helping them to become strong public speakers.

"There’s a first, second and third place winner but, the first place winner are the only ones that move on to the next level. There are several levels that they have to go through like I said they got to go through the district and after they get done with the district package, which we won’t have this year but, they’ll go to Zone. From the zone they go to State and from State they’ll go to the Nationals," said William Rucker Jr., Secretary, Fraternal Order of Eagles #302.

11-year-old Caroline Pinson from Zanesville City Schools won at the Zone, State and National level last year and is competing again this year in the same division. Caroline told us she is happy she has the support from her family.

"It makes me feel less nervous, because if I didn’t have my family here then it wouldn’t be as exciting and i’ll be more nervous," said Caroline Pinson. "I’m not sure if I am going to win or not but, i’m just here for the experience."

During the time of the interview Caroline wasn’t aware but, she won yet again.

The first place winners in each category are:
· 10-11 Age Group – Caroline Pinson – Zanesville City Schools
· 12-13 Age Group – Sophie Meiser – Coshocton City Schools
· 14-15 Age Group – Maddy Meiser – Coshocton City Schools