Two TCU students are among the 14 students chosen to speak on the topic, “Lawmakers and Lawbreakers: Architects of Justice & Agents of Chaos“ during this year’s Battle of Flowers Oratorical Contest.
Battle of Flowers parade in front of the Alamo. (Courtesy of John Bloodsworth, Battle of Flowers)
The contest takes place in San Antonio as part of the Battle of Flowers Association’s century-old festival, which began in 1891 as a parade honoring fallen soldiers from historic Texas battles such as the Alamo and San Jacinto.
Contestants will compete at the Witte Museum of San Antonio on Feb. 27 for a first-place prize of $6,000.
Representing TCU are Grace Gadler, a senior majoring in communication and Spanish, and Aliyah Guthrie, a junior journalism major.
Guthrie plans to speak about “lawbreakers” Bonnie and Clyde, while Gadler will take on Ma and Pa Ferguson. Gadler described her story as a “juxtaposition” between lawmakers and lawbreakers. On the pre-law track, Gadler said the speaking topic for this year was an “extra sign to join” the 2026 competition.
Senior instructor of communication studies at TCU and faculty liaison at Battle of Flowers Carrie Moore has been involved with the speaking competition since 2013. She mentored previous TCU winners, including Vivian Noyd ‘21, John Biebighauser ‘19, and Michael Brown ‘20.
Susie Brewer speaking in 2025 oratorical competition (Courtesy of Grace Gadler)
Speaking competitor Aliyah Guthrie. (Courtesy of Aliyah Guthrie)
According to the 2026 Battle of Flowers press release, “TCU student Michael Brown, who won with a speech on Tex Hill in 2020 after two previous tries, said the competition is so demanding because ‘not only do you have to be an accomplished writer and an expressive presenter, but you have to memorize so much content.’”
“It’s a daunting process,” Brown said.
Gadler explained her memorization process and how she has dedicated at least one or two hours a day to her speech since the completion of her speech in December. Retaining 10-12 minutes of layered information and storytelling components puts pressure on speakers.
Moore says the “purely historical audience” continues to feed into the tradition and importance of the contest after 101 years.
Because of the organization’s love for education and keeping tradition, donations from supporters will be used for Impact Programs that encourage learning opportunities, teacher support and the continuation of honor and support for veterans and Texas history.
Battle of Flowers logo. (Courtesy of John Bloodsworth, Battle of Flowers)