(3-10-26) On March 8, 2026 the 2026 Mercer County Oratory Contest was held at 1 PM at the Mercer Health Luken Room. The event featured the top six finalists who presented their pro-life speeches on topics of abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia. It is always an honor to listen to the strong convictions of these high schoolers and their fight to defend life at all stages.


The judges included Judge Matt Fox, Heidi Kramer, and Hal Hoover. Past Chairman, Julie Link timed the event. The event was well attended by family and friends.

Alexis Buschur was declared the first-place winner and received a prize of $1000. Isaac Roessner secured second place and received a prize of $750. Jackson Bange was the third-place contestant with a prize of $500. The finalists(in no particular order) included Karissa Hilty, Grace Merril, and Cora Kremer who received prizes of $250.