As Celebrate Freedom Week begins, DeSoto Parish Schools is proud to spotlight Cecilia Flanders, a senior at North DeSoto High School, who has been selected to represent the parish in the 9–12 division of the Ronald Reagan Oratory Competition.

The competition, hosted by the Louisiana Department of Education in partnership with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, challenges students to deliver speeches on civic responsibility, leadership, and the principles of freedom.

District officials praised Flanders for her achievement, calling her a model of the scholarship and leadership the program was designed to promote.

“Way to go, Cecilia — we’re cheering you on,” the district said in a statement.