Sue Sitter/PCT Katelyn Duchscher, left, and Heidi Voeller pose with awards they won competing in the second annual Rugby American Legion Post oratorical contest, held at First Lutheran Church Nov. 20.

Rugby High School senior Katelyn Duchscher took home the top prize at the second annual Clarence Larson Rugby American Legion Post 23 Oratorical Contest, held at First Lutheran Church Nov. 20.

Duchscher received a $400 check and a plaque for her accomplishment.

Sophomore Heidi Voeller placed second, winning a check for $350.

Rugby’s Clarence Larson American Legion Post 23 sponsored the local contest.

Both competitors spoke about the U.S. Constitution and the duties Americans have as citizens under the constitution.

Depending on the number of contestants at the district level, Duchscher will travel to Leeds or Park River for district or eastern divisional competitions. Duchscher will have a chance to win $2,400 in cash and scholarship awards if she advances to the state contest. At the national competition, Duchscher would have a chance to win $25,000 in scholarship money.

“I’ve been in speech since my seventh-grade year, so this will be my sixth year in speech,” Duchscher said. “I think this is a really good contest. I want to say thanks to our legion for putting it on. They just did so much work with it, too.”

“I think it’s a really good program just because the Constitution isn’t something that’s a topic you’d automatically want to pick to do a speech on,” Duchscher added. “It’s a really good way for kids to explore the Constitution and enlighten them.”

Duchscher said she relied on several sources to prepare her speech, including lessons she had learned in history classes at Rugby High. Duchscher spoke on constructionism and the Constitution, or how the document is interpreted and used today.

“I like history classes. They’re some of my favorite classes. I’ve always had really good teachers and that always helps, too,” Duchscher said.

Duchscher participates several activities in addition to speech at Rugby High. She’s involved in FFA, golf, one act play, speech and cheerleading. Duchscher said she hopes to pursue a career in marketing.

Voeller, who’s also a member of Rugby High’s one act play team, said she found preparing for her speech challenging, since she doesn’t have a history class this year.

“I didn’t really prepare much,” Voeller said. “I sat down and started writing and used whatever resources I had.”

“Last year, we did a brief talk over about what happened after the Revolutionary War and how we started our democracy,” Voeller said. “I did that last year for my history class.”

Voeller said although she didn’t win this year, she hopes to come back next year to compete in the contest.

Contest Chair John Gustafson expressed his appreciation for the participants and volunteers who judged and organized the competition.

“It’s never an easy thing to talk before a group of people, no matter how small or how large,” Gustafson said.

Gustafson gave special recognition to contest judges Amanda Matehs, Laurie Odden, James Maertens and Tony Coffman. Gustafson also thanked Julie Sjol for encouraging students to enter the contest. “Without her hard work, we wouldn’t be here today,” Gustafson said.