Submitted Photo John Gustafson, public relations officer for Rugby Clarence Larson American Legion Post 23, poses with Katelyn Duchscher at the North Dakota American Legion District 3 Oratorical Contest at Leeds High School.

Rugby High School senior Katelyn Duchscher received a $200 cash award after finishing as a runner-up in the North Dakota American Legion District 3 Oratorical Contest, held Dec. 4 in Leeds.

McKenna Wilke, who represented the Cando American Legion Post, took first place in the contest, held at Leeds High School. Wilke will advance to the East Division Oratorical Contest for the North Dakota American Legion Jan. 15. That contest will take place at the Park River American Legion Hall. Wilke received a $300 cash award for placing first.

John Gustafson, past commander of the Rugby Clarence Larson American Legion Post 23, serves as the Rugby post’s public relations chairman. Gustafson said naming the winner “was a difficult choice for the judges.”

Gustafson thanked organizers for the district, who included Dan Stave, District 3 oratorical contest chair; Troy Reemtsma, central region vice commander; Derrick Childs, department finance officer and Ted Asp, who represented the Sons of the American Legion Post 79. Kent Stave served as timekeeper for the contest and judges were Bob Dunlap, Matt Swanson and Robert Bubath.

“In the event McKenna is unable to attend the contest for whatever reason, Katelyn will replace her on (Jan. 15),” Gustafson said. “On behalf of all the members of Post 23, our congratulations go out to both contestants for their participation. A special thank you to our very own Katelyn Duchscher for representing Post 23.”