03/14/2010: "And She Wins Again"

(L to R: Morris Bentley, Mitch Murdock, Kenny Rea, Paige Druffel & Desirae Whalen -Wa Legion photo)

The annual Department of Washington Constitutional Speech Contest this year included a winner from San Juan County, Desirae Whalen was one of the winning semi-finalists in January, and went forward to the annual Mid Winter Conference in Pasco as a contestant in the 2010 Department Championship.

Desirae, a junior at Friday Harbor High School, was sponsored by Friday Harbor American Legion Post 163, and came in fourth place in a tough state contest that included experienced repeat contestants.

Her efforts earned her a $500.00 scholarship, and the experience and confidence to start work on next years eight to ten minute speech on an aspect of the Constitution of the United States, and the obligations and duties of a citizen.

The American Legion's National High School Oratorical Scholarship Program aims to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students.

Scholarships totaling $5,000 will be awarded to students taking part in the state contest. The state winner will receive a $2,000 scholarship, plus an all expenses paid trip to Indianapolis, Indiana, to compete in the national contest and a part of the $138,000 national scholarship pool.

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

Desirae said she does plan to become a repeat performer in the contest next year, and the Legion Post encourages other high schools students to step forward and join Desirae and to become a contestant for next years oratorical contest.

Eligible participants in The American Legion National High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, "A Constitutional Speech Contest" shall be citizens of or lawful permanent residents of the United States.

All contestants must be bona fide students herein described as any student under the age of twenty (20) years on the date of the National Contest who is presently enrolled in a high school or junior high school (public, parochial, military, private or state accredited home school) in which the curriculum of said high school is considered to be of high school level, commencing with grade nine (9) and terminating with grade twelve (12). Students must be enrolled in high school or junior high school during the time of participation at any level of The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest.

A student who would like to participate, or a teacher or parent of a student who would like to participate, please call Minnie Knych at 378-4662, or Jack Cory at 378-4900.