Marissa Pleasant, a Marquette Catholic High School freshman, took first place at the American Legion 3rd District High School Oratorical Competition on January 7, 2024, at Hamon Gray Post 83 in La Porte. Pleasant received a certificate and a $200 cash award. Luke Lopez from La Porte High School finished second and received a certificate and $100. Judges were State Representative Jim Pressel, La Porte Mayor Tom Dermody and Attorney V. Michael Drayton, a past winner of the contest. Hamon Gray Post 83 sponsored both contestants. Pleasant will move on to Zone 1 competition on February 4, 2024, at Post 81 in Monticello, Indiana.