01/10/2023
MHS seniors take first and second place at district-level American Legion Oratorical Contest
Two MHS seniors are on their way to division-level competition for the American Legion Oratorical Contest, placing first and second at the district level. Alicia Brak and Jessica Caballero earned first and second place at the December 3rd contest and were awarded $300 and $150, respectively. The students will now compete on January 15, 2023, at the division competition at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. If successful, they’ll head to State in early February.
The annual competition, sponsored by the American Legion and supported by the American Legion Auxiliary, invites high school students to craft speeches that demonstrate a keen understanding and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution. The first round requires extemporaneous responses 3-5 minutes long. Four topics on Constitutional amendments are supplied in advance. In addition, students craft a prepared speech 8-10 minutes long on a topic of choice that embraces some aspect of the U.S. Constitution as it relates to citizen’s duties and obligations to the government. Points are deducted for exceeding time limits.
Brak’s prepared speech showcased a call to support the U.S. government through civil service jobs and the need for all citizens to support our nation through service, “Even if you don’t have a career in government everyone should still be a good citizen, contributing to the greater good for society.” This connects to Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution; the President’s power to make appointments for government jobs. Caballero’s prepared speech highlighted citizen’s rights with regard to the 14th amendment which prohibits states from enacting laws that remove rights. Caballero constructed through lines between issues faced by immigrants today and the broader implications of immigration. “It was a good experience in public speaking,” Caballero said. “The constitution is considered an old piece of writing but it should be appreciated because it consists of everyone’s rights. Across the country, we all have the same rights.”
Both students leaned on their AP U.S. Government coursework to develop the prepared and assigned topics. While they were presented in advance with four possible assigned topics, when they were called to speak, “We were sent to a private room and had five minutes to prepare,” Brak said. Speeches were given in the auditorium at Grayslake Central High School in front of judges and audience members.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 867, Mundelein, sponsored Alicia Brak, and the Homer Dahringer Post 281 from Waukegan sponsored Jessica Caballero. Lolley has supported the Oratorical Contest for many years, “The Constitution is the foundation of our democracy. It protects our citizens from abuse by those whose aim is to consolidate power. We are honored to have such talented students like Alicia and Jessica who are so knowledgeable about our nation’s founding document” she added. “I wish them both the best of luck and hope to see them all the way through to Nationals.”
Since 1938, the American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program has created an opportunity for students to earn scholarships. Across the nation more than 30,000 students participate annually.The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary sponsor a number of student programs offered annually that Mundelein High School students engage in including Boys and Girls State and the Americanism Essay Contest.
