The American Legion Post 246 of Danville will conduct its annual High School Oratorical Competition at the Veterans Hall in downtown Danville on Tuesday, Jan. 8.
Contestants prepare an eight- to 10-minute speech on some phase of the Constitution, which is followed by a three- to five-minute assigned topic regarding a specific article, section or amendment of the Constitution. The winner advances to the District 9 finals being held Feb. 9, also at the Danville Veterans Hall. Next come the state finals, then the nationals, held each year in Indianapolis, where the prizes are $18,000 for first; $16,000, second; and $14,000, third.
Interested students should contact the speech department at their schools to participate. For more information, contact committee chairman Ron Roe at 837-9428.
The purpose of the contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution for students. Participation also helps develop leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, plus, say the organizers, it prepares the participants for accepting the rights and privileges of American citizenship.
