Local high school oratorical scholarship contest

The Post 543 local American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, step one of the
National U.S. Constitutional Speech Contest, was held at the St. James Community Center on
Saturday, January 13th . Four local high school students from the Early College High School and
South Brunswick High School participated in the competition. Post 543 Oratorical Contest
Chairperson Dr. Jim Hilty introduced the contestants as the “Leaders of Tomorrow.” Each
student gave an 8–10-minute presentation on their interpretation of the U.S. Constitution
followed by a 3–5-minute speech regarding the 5th Amendment to the Constitution. Four
Judges, including Jason Disbrow, Gary Mancini, Jay Schach and Jeffrey Winnick, graded the
speakers and the top three were awarded scholarships. The purpose of the contest is for high
school students to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution as
well as the ability to stand in front of a crowd and speak intelligently and clearly. Connor Walls
from SBHS came in 1st and was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. 2nd Place went to Levi Spencer,
ECHS, with a $750 scholarship, and 3rd Place, Delanie Jackson from SBHS, a $500 scholarship.
Connor Walls will go on to participate in the district competition on Saturday, 20 January 2024
to be held at the SJCC. The winner of that contest will advance to the Division. Winners then
proceed to the state and then National competitions where the first-place scholarship is
$25,000. Certificates and medals were also awarded to the top three contestants of the Post
543 local contest.