WATERVILLE – Department of Maine 2nd Vice Commander Andy Olson, 3rd District Commander Kenneth Bouchard, Post 10, Livermore Falls and Department of Maine Oratorical Chairman Wilford Barr, Post 66, Lisbon Falls, have announced the state oratorical contest on Saturday, Feb. 16, at Thomas College.

The semi-finals will begin at 10 a.m. and the finals at 1 p.m. Everyone is invited.

Chris Dixon, a senior at Lisbon High School, won the post level contest at Post 66 on Jan. 6 and was presented a $200 scholarship by Commander David Wilson of Post 158, Lisbon, and Commander John Schlaack of Post 66.

Dixon moved on to the district oratorical contest on Jan. 13 and won. Bouchard presented Dixon a certificate of distinction, appreciation and recognition for participation in the American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest. He also presented Dixon with the Patrick Henry Oratory Medal with ribbon and a scholarship check for $150.

Dixon will move on to the state contest.

Dixon was tutored by Lisbon High School speech coach Dean Hall. It was Hall’s 30th year of promoting the American Legion Oratorical Contest. In 2005 Nissa Marenius of Lisbon High School went on to win the state contest. To find out more on the contest, log on to www.maineamericanlegion.com.