THE 87th AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF HAWAII'S 2026 ORATORICAL
Aloha Kākou,
The 87th American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, a “Constitutional Speech Contest,” was held on March 14, 2026, at the Oahu Veterans Center, 1298 Kukila St., Honolulu. The Oratorical Contest exists to instill a better knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States in high school students. It also develops leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties, responsibilities and privileges of American citizenship. Our winners were: 1st Place Gold Patrick Henry Oratory Medal and a $1,000 scholarship to Keoni Roosevelt Healoheke'akua Randolph (Hilo High School in Hilo.), 2nd Place Silver Patrick Henry Oratory Medal and a $500 scholarship to Emi Catanzapiti (Iolani High School in Honolulu, Hawaii), and 3rd Place Bronze Patrick Henry Oratory Medal and a $300 scholarship to Laken Emenheiser (Christian Academy School in Honolulu).
We are very grateful to COL Ed Cruikshank (USA ret.) and president of the Oahu Veterans Council for sponsoring the Oratorical. Our adult volunteers (judges, timekeepers, tabulators, ushers, escorts, prep room monitors, setup and takedown crews) were made up of Ed Cruikshank (president of the Oahu Veterans Council) and American Legion Posts 11 & 17 and Irene Devirgilio (president of the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Hawaii).
Keoni and his mother, Wenonalani, will receive airfare, meals and hotel accommodation to represent Hawaii in the National Finals, which will be May 15-17 in Hillsdale, Mich., at Hillsdale College. The quarterfinal and semifinal contests are scheduled for Saturday, May 16 and the finals for Sunday, May 17.
A hui hou/
CR Drumheller
Department of Hawaii NEC & Oratorical Chairman
Email: oratorical@hilegion.org
https://www.hilegion.org/ & select Oratorical
The American Legion Department of Hawaii
Attn: Oratorical Contest Committee
612 McCully Street
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808)946-6383 main
(808)947-3957 fax
oratorical@hilegion.org
info@hilegion.org
