February 5, 2022 – Slinger, WI – Slinger High School junior Kate Scroggins took first place in the Oratorical Contest held during the Department of Wisconsin American Legion-District 2 Mid-Winter Conference held in Wisconsin Dells. Scroggins is the daughter of Shannon and Stacy Scroggins.
L to R; Commander Rodney Delcore, Shannon, Kate, & Stacy Scroggins, Mark Schellinger, chair of the American Legion Youth Involvement Programs
She will be competing at the Department of Wisconsin American Legion Regional/State Finals on February 12 at Ripon College.
Scroggins will be speaking on subjects focused on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government.
Speeches are eight to 10 minutes followed by three to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic; all are part of the contest.
The contest features a scholarship from the National and State organizations of the American Legion. Over $203,500 in scholarships can be awarded each year.
The overall national contest winner gets a $25,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $22,500, and third gets $20,000.
Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship.
According to the American Legion, “The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former presidential candidate Alan Keyes, national television commentator and talk radio host Lou Dobbs, and former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence.”
