Hillsdale College Hosts American Legion Oratorical Contest
Students gave speeches on the Constitution and competed for scholarships.
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College hosted the American Legion Oratorical Contest for the second time May 16-18. Forty-nine high school finalists gave speeches on the U.S. Constitution and competed for scholarships.
“Helping students to grow into informed thinkers and strong communicators is an important part of Hillsdale’s mission,” said Pat Hornak, director of campus event management and operations. “It has been an honor to partner with the American Legion to help the next generation become capable defenders of our Constitutional rights.”
“It has been an honor to partner with the American Legion to help the next generation become capable defenders of our Constitutional rights.”
Gina Harjani, a 12th-grader from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, won first place for her speech “The Constitution in the Digital Age.” Mary Crosby, an 11th-grader from Burlington, Washington, won second place for her speech “Civic Virtue: Strengthening Our Constitutional Republic.” Elena Andrews, a 12th-grader from Beresford, South Dakota, won third place for her speech “The Constitutional Gavel.”
Contestants each gave a prepared oration on some aspect of the Constitution, with emphasis on a citizen’s duties and obligations to our government. Each contestant also gave a shorter discourse focused on a specific Constitutional provision assigned to all contestants immediately beforehand.
This year, the contest provided more than $203,500 in college scholarships, including $25,000 for first place, $22,500 for second place, and $20,000 for third place at the national level.
For official photos from the competition, click here. For an official recording, click here. For photos of Hillsdale College, click here. For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.