Hanover County has a new opportunity for students; the Hanover County Patrick Henry Oratorical Contest. The Hanover County American Legion and the Hanover County VA250 Committee, along with other sponsors, are holding a county-wide oratorical contest on Saturday, March 28 at 9 a.m. The contest will be held at the historic Hanover Courthouse in honor of the 251st anniversary of Patrick Henry’s famous “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death” speech.
The contest is open to all Hanover students (public, private or homeschool) and consists of 3 categories of students; Elementary, Middle School and High School. Students will recite from memory a passage from the speech starting as follows:
High School Students - “They tell us, sir,..."
Middle School Students - “The battle, sir,...”
Elementary School Students - “It is in vain, sir,..."
Dressing as Patrick Henry is encouraged.
All participants will receive a distinctive contest certificate. Cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners of each category will be awarded. First place winners will receive $500, $300, and $100 respectively.
All participants must register online.
Deadline to register is 20 March 2026.
Registration Form 2026 Hanover Patrick Henry Oratorical Contest
Upon registration, contestants and their parents will receive an email containing the contest rules.
Still have questions or want more information? Please email:
David Schultz & Kevin Glathar (Contest Coordinators)
We look forward to hearing your orations Hanover!
//Hanover Patrick Henry Oratorical Contest Committee//