A pair of students from the East Muskingum Local School District and one from the Coshocton City Schools have advanced to the next round of the God, Flag and Country speech competition.

According to a press release, the God, Flag and Country Oratory Program has been an integral part of the Fraternal Order of Eagles since 1967 as an effort to build patriotism and instill a sense of pride within youth.

The competition is sponsored by the Zanesville Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 302 and coordinated by the Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center (MVESC).

A total of 31 students from seven area school districts competed in the competition at the John McIntire Library auditorium.

Taking first place for the 10 to 11 year-old age group was Paris Peterson of the Coshocton City Schools, for the 12 to 13 year-old age group it was Alyssa Derry from the East Muskingum Local Schools and Carson Clouse, also representing East Muskingum, took first for the 14 to 15 year-old age group.

The three champions will move on to the Zone Level competition in Renyoldsburg in April.