Chapel Hill Student Wins District Contest
Alex Werden, Chapel Hill High School student and Boy’s State participant, won the District 12 American Legion Oratorical Contest competition and now moves on to Division III competition.
The contest is open to High School and home school students. Winners progress to division completion and an opportunity to complete in the National American Legion Oratorical Contest.
The contest challenges student to better understand the U.S. Constitution, as well as the rights and privileges of American citizenship.
Alex now represents District 12 and competes against winners from the many districts in Division III. The division contest is on February 9th in Fuquay-Varina. The winning student at the division level receives a $100 division scholarship and then represents the division in a final state level competition. The state competition winner advances to national.
For the national contest winners, scholarships are significant. First place award is $18,000 and the next two finishers receive $15,000. Other national competition first round contestants receive at $1,500 scholarship.
A special congratulations goes to Robert Patton and Bud Hampton. Both are strong supporters of Boys State and championed Alex Werden. Alex attended Boys State North Carolina in 2012.
Robert spent a lot of time working with Alex as a preface to district competition and he did this while he was recovering from surgery! Robert could not escort Alex as the post sponsor and arranged for Bud Hampton to serve in this important role. Post Commander Heavlin also attended.
“Alex delivered a very impressive argument. His delivery was forceful, clearly expressed, well constructed, and thought-out. His use of comparatives really brought the audience into his scenario,” said Post Commander Heavlin. Alex was a delight to watch and post members are encouraged to attend the Division III competition on February 9th. Carpooling is possible.
The total amount provided for scholarships exceeded $138,000 in previous years. This is our 76th competition. Over $3 million dollars in scholarships have been awarded since the contest started.
The Oratorical Contest started in 1934 in Missouri as a means to strengthen knowledge of the U.S. Constitution.
The contest presents 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. Learn more
Interested in seeing a video of last year’s contestants in action? It is a good way to prepare for this contest, as competition is extremely keen. Learn more
