Wayne student to compete in national speech finals
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on March 15, 2006 1:52 PM
A Wayne Christian High School student will compete in the national American Legion Oratorical Contest in Indianapolis on April 22-23.
Terrie Nelson, 15, finished second in the state state competition held Saturday at the Charles B. Aycock Birthplace.
First place went to Zachary Simmons, a home-schooled student from Fuquay Varina, but Miss Nelson learned Monday that Simmons has decided not to continue on to the finals and she will be invited to take his place.
The American Legion, which has 10,000 posts nationwide, sponsors the competition each year for high school students. The national winner earns an $18,000 scholarship. Second- and third-place finishers take home scholarships valued at $16,000 and $14,000, respectively.
The purpose of the competiton is to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Constitution and to boost students ability to speak in public.
Each contestant prepares and memorizes five speeches, based on different parts of the Constitiution. Legion officials choose a topic to assign to each contestant.