Syosset senior wins American Legion oratorical contest

The American Legion of Nassau County held its 73rd Annual National High School Oratorical Contest at the Elmont Memorial Library on Saturday, Feb. 12, where four high school students from Nassau County competed for the honor of competing at the New York State final event, which will be held in Albany in March, where a winner will be chosen to compete at the national competition in April. Approximately 75 New York American Legion members attended the event.

The competition’s purpose is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the United States Constitution on the part of high school students. 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.

Contestants first presented a prepared oration regarding the U.S. Constitution, and each had eight to 10 minutes to deliver their presentation to judges. The presentation was based on the topic assigned at the district competitions, held previously in their home school districts. Afterward, each contestant presented a discourse on the topic assigned at the event, the 27th Amendment, which deals with congressional salaries. The topic was announced to the candidates at the conclusion of the first-round presentations, and each had five minutes to prepare a three- to five-minute presentation to explain and evaluate its provisions.

Contestants were James Bolis, a freshman at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School; Danielle Haley, a West Babylon High School junior; Bridget Murphy, a junior at the St. Joseph Hill High School; and Lindsay Pearlman, a Syosset High School senior.

Danielle Haley was awarded second place, and top honors were awarded to Lindsey Pearlman, who will now carry the torch to Albany and compete for New York State honors.