The local American Legion oratorical contest was held Jan. 4. From left are Oratorical Chairman Joe Bernard; Bill Damon; Elliott Munn, winner, student at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School; and Randy Henley.

Oxford Hills student wins oratorical contest

PARIS – Elliott Munn, student at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, was the first-place winner of the local American Legion oratorical contest held on Jan. 4 at the Maine Veterans Home, Paris.

Munn is among others awarded scholarships in elimination rounds. The department finals will be held at Thomas College in Waterville on Saturday, Feb. 17. Department finalists and chaperones will receive expense-paid trips to the national finals in Indianapolis, Ind., on April 15.

The national high school oratorical contest offers students in local communities more than $138,000 in scholarships. To date, more than $3 million has been awarded at the national level.

The contest, sponsored since 1938 by the American Legion, is designed to instill a greater knowledge and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution in high school students.

Other objectives include the development of leadership, the ability to think and speak clearly and the preparation for the acceptance of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

The tri-sponsors of the local contest are Post 112 of Oxford, Post 72 of Paris and Post 82 of Norway.

“Everyone comes away from this oratorical contest a winner. The students are the stepping stones to further education, protecting the foundation of freedom that we as Americans cherish,” said local post chairman Joe Bernard.