Olivia Hilty from Franklin Local Schools holding her first place award in the 10-11 age group for the Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) God, Flag & Country Oratory Program. Hilty is the daughter of Danny Hilty, and Sara and Chad Wilson.
ZANESVILLE, Ohio — A Franklin Local student recently earned first place among 10 and 11-year-olds nationally in the God, Flag & Country Oratory Program sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) and coordinated locally by the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC) Gifted Education Program. Olivia Hilty competed in the finals during the 2023 F.O.E. International Convention in Reno, Nevada.
“We are so excited, and proud of Olivia’s accomplishment!,” said Lori Snyder-Lowe, Superintendent, MVESC. “This honor showcases Olivia’s skills, and the outstanding programming opportunities at MVESC, she continued. “We send our heartfelt congratulations to Olivia for this amazing achievement.”
Hilty, the daughter of Danny Hilty, and Sara and Chad Wilson, started her journey toward the national competition by winning the local God, Flag & Country event sponsored by Zanesville Aerie Number 302, Fraternal Order of Eagles. Following the local event, Hilty won top honors in the regional and statewide competitions to advance to the national finals.
“We are honored to work with our local districts, their teachers, and students with this competition,” said Colette Smith, Director of Gifted Education, MVESC. “Plus, it is always a pleasure to work with the F.O.E. Aerie Number 302 on the local competition,” Smith said.
According to the Fraternal Order of Eagles website, the God, Flag & Country Oratory Program has been held since 1967 and is open to children ages 10 to 15. More information about the program is available online at www.foe.org.