By PF Staff
info@purofutbolonline.com
Mundelein, IL. - MacKenzie Stewart, Mundelein High School senior, took fourth place at the Illinois 2020 High School Oratorical Contest sponsored by the Illinois American Legion. The event, titled “A Constitutional Speech Contest,” included nine student competitors from communities throughout the state and was held March 7 in Springfield. Stewart’s contest wins total $1,450 accumulated from a progression of local, regional and state oratorical contests that began in January.
The oratorical format invites participants to extemporaneously respond to a topic relating to constitutional amendments. The questions are supplied in advance so students can research and write responses. Stewart’s speeches reflected her thorough understanding of the Constitution, “I’ve committed myself to gaining a full understanding of our democracy by interning at the Lake County State’s Attorney’s office, attending American Legion Illini Girls State, through courses and by talking with politicians,” Stewart said. “I’m passionate about our democracy and hope to build a career in law and justice.”
For the local and regional contests, students prepared four speeches, three-to-five minutes in length, focusing on their knowledge of select Constitutional amendments. Students also prepared a substantial eight-to-ten-minute speech focusing on citizens’ duties in relation to the constitution. Presenters are blocked from hearing other contestant speeches. The determining speech at the state oratorical contest was eight-to-ten minutes. Stewart’s speech addressed concerns of political polarization.
Arlene Lolley, President of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 867, Mundelein, encouraged Stewart to compete. “The Constitution’s wide appeal, across generations, is a testament to the currency of the document. We are honored to have student engagement from such talented students like MacKenzie,” she added. Lolley attended the Springfield contest with George Swenson, past American Legion Division Commander, in support of Stewart.
Since 1938, the American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program has created an opportunity for students to earn scholarships. Across the nation more than 30,000 students participate annually.