March 3, 2026
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute announces the 2025 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, January 10 in Simi Valley, CA at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum.
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 to the Nation on Voluntarism from May 24, 1986.
Dr. Richard Schroeder, Chief Education Programming Officer, highlights President Reagan's unwavering belief in the unifying and transformative power of communication. “This competition honors Ronald Reagan's enduring legacy by inspiring young Americans to lead, inspire, and make an impact through the power of their words.”
Congratulations to our middle school winner, DJ Mavis, an 8th grade student from Polytechnic School (Pasadena, CA). Our high school winner, Zander Schoultz, a junior at Lakeside High School (Hot Springs, AR) walked away with a $1000 scholarship.
High School Division Winner Zander Schoultz said, “As my first oratory or speech competition, I was honored to be able to attend such an event. The museum’s history and sights were breathtaking and captivated me. The environment was more than cordial, and I highly enjoyed my time with the other candidates and staff. I was excited to find out about future debate opportunities and hope to take part in events with the Reagan Foundation in the future.”
Middle School Division Winner DJ Mavis said, “Participating in the Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition was an incredible educational journey. I really enjoyed the realistic White House simulation, a great tour guided by knowledgeable staff, and the opportunity to connect with and hear the experiences from so many fascinating people. My time at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library was truly inspiring.”
Congratulations to all our Oratory Finalists who competed.
MIDDLE SCHOOL FINALISTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL FINALISTS
| Student | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Kennedy Clarke | River Trail Middle School | Johns Creek, GA |
| Arrow Moyer | Ballard Elementary School | Solvang, CA |
| Varsh Varun | Scottsdale Preparatory Academy | Scottsdale, AZ |
| Olivia Norris | West Feliciana Middle School | St. Francisville, LA |
HIGH SCHOOL FINALISTS
| Student | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Taelor Jones | Cabell Midland High School | Ona, WV |
| Jonathan Paul | Homeschool | North Carolina |
| Lincoln Trumps | Layfayette High School | Layfayette, LA |
| Sara Wang | Bishop Gorman High School | Las Vegas, NV |
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, scholarly initiatives, and distinctive educational programs shaping the perspectives of middle, high school, and college students.
In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library. A leading cultural institution, RRPFI houses a remarkable 125,000 square foot museum with unique historical pieces that tells the story of Ronald Reagan’s life, presidency, and enduring impact, and hosts world-class special exhibitions.