Solomon Smith, a senior at North Brunswick High School (NBHS) and JROTC Cadet, placed first in the John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68, Leland’s Oratorical Contest – “A Constitutional Speech Contest”- held Saturday, January 8 at NBHS.
*cover image: Solomon Smith of North Brunswick High School being presented with 1st place certificate from Post 68 Commander John hacker.
Providing stiff competition, Madilyn Smith placed second. An NBHS junior, Madilyn placed first in last year’s Post 68 Oratorical Contest.
Both contestants delivered an original 8-to-10-minute prepared oration on aspects of the U.S. Constitution, with emphasis on the duties and obligations of American citizens with both speakers focusing on portions of the Constitution that may be relevant to issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular mask and vaccination mandates. Each also delivered a 3-to-5-minute extemporaneous discourse on the assigned topic of Article XXV, Section 4 that provides for the transfer of presidential powers and duties to the Vice-President should it be determined that the President is unable to discharge the duties of the office.
Post 68 Commander John Hacker presented Solomon with the first-place medal, certificate of distinction, and a check for $500.00. Commander Hacker presented Madilyn with the second-place medal, certificate of distinction, and a check for $300.00.
Solomon now advances to the American Legion District 9 Oratorical Contest on January 29th at the St. James Community Center, St. James Plantation, NC. He will compete against the winners of other District 9 American Legion Post contests. The District 9 contest winner qualifies to compete in the Division Contest on February 26th with that winner advancing to the State finals, which will be held March 5th. State winners advance to the National Finals in April. The overall national contest winner will receive a $25,000.00 college scholarship.
“Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, we were determined to give NBHS students this opportunity” remarked Post 68 Commander John Hacker. “We were very pleased with the results and greatly appreciate the support we received from the NBHS staff. Our contestants spent many hours preparing for the contest and did a great job.