By Patricia A. Douglas
Post 911 Public Affairs Coordinator

American Legion District 21 in Alabama held the annual Oratorical Contest on Feb. 4 at Shades Crest Baptist Church.
“The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students,” says the American Legion website. “Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.”
There are two parts to the contest. Speech subjects, which are eight to 10 minutes long, must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution. There is also a speech on an assigned topic, which is three to five minutes. The selected assigned topic was something on the 14th Amendment, Section 1.
Evan Jack was the winner of the competition. The Indian Springs senior’s prepared speech was called “What do we do when the government does something unjust?”
Kai Burney, a senior at Homewood High School, was runner-up. His prepared speech was “Devolution – Where is power?”
“The competition was close this year,” said Ginger Branson, the contest’s master of ceremonies and a member of Ryan Winslow Post 911. “We are so proud of our speakers today.”
Following the competition, the participants and their families were invited to a celebratory lunch, organized by the District 21 Auxiliary.
Jack will next compete in the 2nd Division competition on March 4 at Post 135 in Phenix City, where the winner will go on to the Department of Alabama contest.