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Paris High School Senior Nolan Hamer Earns Top Honors in American Legion Oratorical Competition
Paris High School senior Nolan Hamer continues to distinguish himself through academic excellence, leadership, and civic engagement, earning multiple honors in the prestigious American Legion Oratorical Competition.
Nolan, the son of John and Wendy Hamer of Paris, competed in the Northeast Texas Oratorical Competition sponsored by the American Legion, Department of Texas. He earned first place at the Post level, receiving a $250 scholarship from the American Legion Department of Texas, Brown/Guest Post 30 in Paris.
Earlier in the season, Nolan also captured first place at the District level, held January 3 in Daingerfield, earning a $750 scholarship from the American Legion Department of Texas, First District. At the Division level competition in Bonham, Nolan placed fourth, receiving a $500 scholarship. The competition was especially close, with only three points separating second through fourth place finishers.
In addition to his success in oratory, Nolan represented Post 30 as a 2025 delegate to Texas Boys State, one of the nation’s most respected and selective youth leadership programs. Delegates are chosen for their leadership, academic achievement, and commitment to community service. During the week-long program, more than 1,100 Texas students built a mock government, ran for office, debated policy, and gained firsthand experience in the responsibilities of American citizenship. Nolan ran for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court during the event.
Following his outstanding participation, Nolan has been invited back to Texas Boys State as a counselor, an honor extended to only about 20 percent of prior attendees.
Nolan’s parents are active members of the Paris community. His father, John Hamer, is President of Rodgers-Wade, and his mother, Wendy Hamer, is a Gifted and Talented Socrates teacher at Aikin Elementary School and Justiss Elementary School.
Paris ISD congratulates Nolan on his impressive achievements and his continued commitment to leadership, scholarship, and service.