American Legions looking for Tri-parishes’ best orators

Local American Legions are inviting all the high school students in the Tri-parish area to compete in the annual National High School oratorical contest next month.

Post Chairperson and Legionnaire Edna Frank, a member of Post 513 in Thibodaux, said her area has not had a representative compete in three years and she would like it to change this year.

“There are a lot of smart kids in the Tri-parish area who have the ability to compete in this competition,” said the local contest chairperson. “We just need to give them a little encouragement.”

Frank explained that the oratory must be on some portion of the Constitution of the United States. She also said it should be at least eight to 10 minutes in length.

“The students should put emphasis on the duties and obligations of a citizen to the U.S. government,” she said. “And like any other oratorical competitions the oration must be an original effort of each student.”

The competition will be held on Dec. 9, at 7 p.m., at the Raymond Stafford Post 513, which is located at the corner of Gerald Peltier Drive and Narrow Street in Thibodaux.

The competing student’s name, address, age, date of birth, and attending school should be turned in to the post chairperson no later than Dec. 1.

The Persian Gulf veteran said she will select a representative from the submitted oratories, who will represent District 3 in the next level of competition in January.

In February, District 3 Chairperson Charles Wiggins of Raceland, and District 3 Commander Kevin Smith of Thibodaux will select a winner, who will go on to represent the entire Tri-parish area in national competition in March.

The Legionnaires said the each state winner who competes in the first round of the national competition will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Frank said the top three national youth orators will receive a university scholarship of $18,000, $16,000 or $14,000, respectively.

Frank said the American Legion will cover the expenses of the state winner to participate in the national competition.

Entries should be mailed to 136 Beham Ct.; Thibodaux, La. 70301. For more information on how to enter the competition contact, Frank at (985) 537-3250 or (985) 448-1215

Sophia Ruffin can be reached at (985) 876-3008 or sophia@tri-parishtimes.com