The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announces 2024 Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition Winners.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announces 2024 Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition Winners.

(Simi Valley, CA) Today, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is proud to announce the top winners of the Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition held on Saturday, February 15 in Washington, DC at the Ronald Reagan Institute.

The competition hosted two divisions, a middle school division and a high school division. For the Oratory Finals, middle school finalists gave their version of President Reagan’s Radio Address to the Nation on Armed Forces Day from May 15, 1982, while high school finalists presented on President Reagan's Radio Address on Birth of Martin Luther King, Jr. from January 15, 1983.

Congratulations to our middle school winner, Varnika Kharkwal, an 8th grade student from Pat and Catherine Fowler Middle School (Plano, TX). Our high school winner, Alitheia West, a junior homeschooled in Chesapeake, VA walked away with a $1000 scholarship.

“President Reagan firmly believed in the power of communication to unite people and drive change,” remarks Dr. Richard Schroeder, Chief Education Programming Officer. “This competition continues his legacy by equipping young Americans with the skills to inspire and lead through their words.”

High School Division Winner Alitheia West said, “The Ronald Reagan Institute provided a truly great experience! Their focus on civility and kindness translated to a warm and welcoming competitive environment, and it was wonderful to speak Reagan's words after him.”

Congratulations to all our Oratory Finalists who competed.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FINALISTS

• Cora Barnes - Vicenza Middle School - Vicenza, Italy

• Matthew Dsilva - Crabapple Crossing Elementary School - Alpharetta, GA

• Aarush Mane - Medea Creek Middle School - Oak Park, CA

HIGH SCHOOL FINALISTS

• Aaron Anders - Homeschool - Agoura Hills, CA

• Carter Chew - Egg Harbor Township High School - Egg Harbor Township, NJ

• Haden Hodge - Hurricane High School - Hurricane, WV

• Claire Weatherford - Homelife Academy - Williamsport, TN

The Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition invited youth from around the world to bring President Reagan’s timeless words to life. This initiative is designed to cultivate essential public speaking and presentation skills, inspire a deeper appreciation of historical education, and foster meaningful civic engagement. By connecting students with the legacy of one of America’s most influential leaders, the competition encourages critical thinking on historical and contemporary issues. Our vision is to empower a new generation of confident, articulate speakers who can effectively communicate and engage with the vital challenges of both the past and the present. For information on the Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition, please visit our website at www.reaganfoundation.org/oratory.

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About the Reagan Foundation and Institute

 The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride.

 A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, and distinctive educational initiatives.  In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library, which routinely hosts major special exhibitions.

An hour from Los Angeles International Airport, RRPFI’s Simi Valley campus sits on 400 acres, serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, displays a chunk of the Berlin Wall, and houses the plane President Reagan flew as Air Force One to 26 countries.  Onsite are the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, Presidential Learning Center, Air Force One Pavilion, and the Reagan Leadership Center.  More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org.