2024 Ronald Reagan Oratory Finalists

High school finalists presented on President Reagan's Radio Address on Birth of Martin Luther King, Jr. from January 15, 1983. 

WINNER OF $1,000 SCHOLARSHIP: ALITHEIA WEST is a junior from Virginia. She is a student with many talents, partaking in not only speech, debate and moot court, but an actress and self-proclaimed “classical studies nerd.”

AARON ANDERS is a sophomore joining us from Los Angeles, California. Aaron loves film and movies, having starred in several plays as well as having spent time on the production of several Hollywood movies and TV shows.

CARTER CHEW is a junior from New Jersey. Boasting a busy schedule, Carter is one of the Head Stage Managers of his school’s theater, the Plaintiff Closing Lawyer and Webmaster of the Mock Trial Team, and the Treasurer of the Key Club. 

HADEN HODGE joined us from West Virginia. When he graduates this year, he plans to go into the US Air Force Academy to pursue a degree in political science. Two of his accomplishments so far is that he authored and lobbied on behalf of a bill that was signed into law in his state and has written a book called “Set Apart” about his Christian faith and walk with Christ. 

CLAIRE WEATHERFORD is a sophomore from Nashville, Tennessee. Claire is a year-round swimmer, competes nationally in speech and debate tournaments, and spends her free time volunteering at her local regional hospital on the critical care floor.

Middle school finalists gave their version of President Reagan’s Radio Address to the Nation on Armed Forces Day from May 15, 1982.

WINNER: VARNIKA KHARKWAL joined us from Dallas, Texas. Not only is she the captain of her school’s tennis team, she also works part time for the Youth Advisory Board at Peer Health Exchange. 

CORA BARNES is from Vicenza, Italy. Cora keeps a busy schedule participating in Drama Club, her Speech and Debate Club, Girl Scouts and Volleyball. In her future, Cora hopes to pursue a career in Journalism.  

MATTHEW DSILVA joined us from Georgia today. He is passionate about mathematics, social studies, and sports. Most recently, he won the spelling bee school championship and the history bee tournament, as well as the Jimmy Carter and Andrew Young Social Studies Championship.   

AARUSH MANE joined us from California. On any given day, you’ll find him arguing on his school’s mock trial team, studying for the latest math competition, or winning his school’s spelling bee. He also enjoys writing poetry and playing lots and lots of tennis.