HSEHS senior wins regional American Legion speech contest, moves on to state

February 22nd, 2012

Hamilton Southeastern High School senior Mike Young won the American Legion Oratorical Contest for Zone 3 last Saturday. Mike won the District 6 level competition in January, one of eleven in the state.

Mike’s speech was approximately nine minutes long, meeting the requirement of 8-10 minutes. Competitors deliver the speech from memory, without notes or prompts. Competitors also answer a randomly-chosen question on a specific part of the Constitution. This part assesses the contestants’ general knowledge of the Constitution and impromptu speaking ability. Students are allowed three to five minutes for their answer.

Mike received the winner’s plaque and an $800 scholarship. He now advances to the state finals Sunday, March 11, at the American Legion headquarters, 777 N. Meridian St., in Indianapolis. The competition begins at 1 pm. Winners from the four zone-level competitions in Indiana vie for the state championship prize of a $3,400 scholarship. All four zone level winners will receive at least another $1,000 scholarship for competing.

The state winner advances to the national competition in Indianapolis where all 50 states are represented. The grand prize is a $16,000 scholarship; second, $14,000; and third, $12,000.

The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution. The 70-year-old program presents participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of the nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former presidential candidate Alan Keyes and CNN anchor Lou Dobbs.

For more information, contact social studies teacher Mitch Steckler at 317-594-4190.