Paris High School Senior Earns Top Honors in Oratorical Competition

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Paris High School senior Nolan Hamer has earned multiple honors, including first place at the Post and District levels, in the prestigious American Legion Oratorical Competition. Hamer also represented his local American Legion post as a delegate to the highly selective Texas Boys State leadership program, and has been invited back as a counselor.

Why it matters

Hamer's achievements in oratory and civic engagement demonstrate his exceptional leadership abilities and commitment to his community. His success in these prestigious programs highlights the quality of education and extracurricular opportunities available to students in the Paris, Texas school district.

The details

At the American Legion Oratorical Competition, Hamer earned first place at the Post level, receiving a $250 scholarship, and first place at the District level, earning a $750 scholarship. He placed fourth at the Division level, receiving a $500 scholarship. Earlier, Hamer represented his local American Legion post as a delegate to the Texas Boys State leadership program, and has now been invited back as a counselor, an honor extended to only about 20% of prior attendees.

• Hamer competed in the Northeast Texas Oratorical Competition sponsored by the American Legion, Department of Texas in early 2026.
• Hamer earned first place at the Post level competition in January 2026.
• Hamer earned first place at the District level competition on January 3, 2026 in Daingerfield.
• Hamer placed fourth at the Division level competition in Bonham in early 2026.

What’s next

Nolan Hamer has been invited back to Texas Boys State as a counselor, an honor extended to only about 20 percent of prior attendees.