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Rugby American Legion post to host second annual oratorical contest

By Sue Sitter - | Nov 20, 2021

Rugby’s Clarence Larson American Legion Post 23 will hold their second annual oratorical contest Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. at First Lutheran Church.

The public is invited to the event.

Post Public Relations Specialist John Gustafson said he expected more contestants than last year, when COVID-19 made holding the contest more of a challenge. In the contest, high school students from the area will speak on topics relating to the U.S. Constitution.

“The American Legion Oratorical Contest has been around since 1938, but has not been actively promoted in Rugby in the past,” Gustafson said. “It’s our post’s intention to have many more contests in the future because we believe that a knowledge of our Constitution is an important part of our young people’s education.”

“The contest’s purpose is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States among high school students,” Gustafson added. “Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.”

“Besides the money aspect of the contest, participants have the opportunity to improve their speaking skills and experience, interact with other students, build upon their knowledge of our Constitution and form friendships that might last a lifetime,” Gustafson added.

Speakers will receive $100 for participating. Winners will be eligible to win as much as $25,000 in scholarship money if they win the national contest. Other cash for scholarships is available as winners progress from district contests to regional and state contests.

Gustafson asked that audience members be in pews at First Lutheran Church no later than 12:45 p.m. “Anyone arriving after the start of the contest will not be allowed in the main sanctuary … until a break between contestants,” he added, noting latecomers would distract contestants.

First Lutheran Church also requests that participants and attendees wear masks and use hand sanitizer, which will be available at the church.