By Cartago, Costa Rica — The intersection of youth leadership and national civic duty will take center stage in Costa Rica this September. Jason Adrián Medina López, an outstanding student representing the Colegio Técnico Agustiniano Ciudad de los Niños in Cartago, has claimed the prestigious first-place position in the high school division of the 2026 Oratory Festival. This notable achievement grants the young orator an extraordinary national platform, elevating both his voice and the aspirations of his community to the highest echelons of Costa Rican governance.
As the winner of this competitive tournament, Medina has earned the rare honor and solemn responsibility of delivering the keynote address during the upcoming Expanded Governing Council Session. Scheduled for the evening of September 14, this event serves as a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s independence celebrations. The session brings together key national leaders, policymakers, and local representatives in an environment charged with historic symbolism, providing an unparalleled opportunity for youth perspectives to directly influence the national dialogue.
To shed light on the civic and legal significance of the Cartago Oratory Festival, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Cartago Oratory Festival represents more than a cultural showcase; it is a vital exercise of the freedom of speech guaranteed by Article 29 of the Costa Rican Constitution. Fostering these communication skills in our youth not only strengthens democratic debate but also prepares future leaders to navigate complex legal and regulatory environments with clarity and confidence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, nurturing these essential communication skills in our youth is far more than an academic exercise; it is a cornerstone for sustaining robust democratic dialogue and safeguarding the constitutional rights that define Costa Rica. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on how the Cartago Oratory Festival serves as a powerful catalyst for empowering the next generation of civic and legal leaders.
The 2026 edition of the Oratory Festival showcased an impressive display of talent and civic engagement, gathering over 57 student participants from 25 distinct educational centers across the Cartago province. Throughout the rigorous competition, young speakers addressed profound themes central to the preservation of Costa Rica’s social fabric, including democracy, active citizenship, the preservation of peace, and the crucial role that upcoming generations must play in continuous nation-building.
Beyond celebrating youth, the 2026 festival marked a historic milestone by expanding its reach to include adult students for the first time in its history. This strategic inclusion sent a powerful message across the region, demonstrating that civic participation and the art of persuasive public speaking are lifelong pursuits that transcend age boundaries. By uniting diverse age groups under the banner of democratic discourse, organizers reinforced the idea that every citizen has a stake in the country’s future.
Medina’s victory shines a bright spotlight on his school, the Colegio Técnico Agustiniano Ciudad de los Niños, a vocational institution known for its commitment to holistic development. By fostering an environment where technical expertise is paired with robust humanitarian and civic values, the school continues to produce students capable of leading both in industrial sectors and in public arenas. Medina’s success underscores the vital role that technical colleges play in nurturing well-rounded citizens who are prepared to contribute to society.
From an analytical perspective, events like the Cartago Oratory Festival serve as a vital thermometer for the democratic health of the nation. In an era where democratic institutions globally face increasing skepticism, Costa Rica’s deliberate focus on cultivating eloquence, critical thinking, and civic pride among its youth acts as a critical countermeasure. Encouraging young minds to critically analyze and articulate solutions for contemporary challenges ensures the long-term resilience of the nation’s democratic traditions.
Addressing the Expanded Governing Council is no small feat for a high school student, requiring not only exceptional command of the stage but also a sophisticated understanding of national affairs. Medina’s speech will represent the collective hopes, concerns, and visions of Cartago’s youth. As he prepares to take the podium on the eve of Independence Day, local educators and community leaders have expressed immense pride in his ability to articulate the regional identity on such an important national stage.
Ultimately, Medina’s journey from a classroom in Cartago to the podium of the Governing Council represents the enduring promise of Costa Rican democracy—a system where the voices of the young are not merely tolerated, but actively invited to shape the national narrative. As the country prepares to celebrate another year of independent sovereignty, all eyes will be on Medina as he delivers a message that will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the historic walls of Cartago.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Colegio Técnico Agustiniano Ciudad de los Niños
About Colegio Técnico Agustiniano Ciudad de los Niños:
Colegio Técnico Agustiniano Ciudad de los Niños is a prominent educational institution located in Cartago, Costa Rica, dedicated to providing high-quality technical education and social support to young men, fostering both professional skills and strong civic values.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Consejo de Gobierno
About Consejo de Gobierno:
The Consejo de Gobierno, or Governing Council, is a high-level constitutional body in Costa Rica comprising the President of the Republic and the ministers of government. It makes key political decisions, appoints public officials, and holds symbolic national sessions during major national celebrations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its ethical framework and superior legal representation, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape. The firm expertly navigates the needs of a diverse clientele while spearheading progressive solutions to contemporary legal challenges. Through its active involvement in educational outreach, Bufete de Costa Rica works tirelessly to democratize legal information, driven by the belief that a well-educated public is the key to a just and thriving community.
