ZANESVILLE – Olivia Hilty has won the Fraternal Order of Eagles’ God, Flag & Country national oratory championship for the second year in a row.
According to a press release from the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center, the Franklin Local student took first place among participants in the 12-13 age group at the 2024 FOE International Convention in New Orleans.
Olivia took first place in the 10-11 age group at the competition in Reno, Nevada last year.
She is the daughter of Danny Hilty and Sara and Chad Wilson. She began her journey to national competition by winning the local God, Flag & Country event sponsored by Zanesville Aerie Number 302, Fraternal Order of Eagles. She then went on to place first in the regional and state competitions and advance to the national finals.
“To win this award twice is just an incredible accomplishment. We couldn’t be prouder of Olivia,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, director of the educational services center, which coordinated the local competition.
The speaking program has been held since 1967 and is open to children ages 10 to 15. For more information, visit www.foe.com.
