Shelley Student Wins American Legion Oratorical Contest

Lucy Christensen, a junior at Shelley High School competed and won in the annual American Legion Oratorical Contest at two local levels and is now on her way to compete at the Department  (or state) level. Lucy is the daughter of Aaron and Amy  Christensen.

Lucy won first level, sponsored by the David B. Bleak Post 93 in Shelley, which was held on December 15, 2021. She next won the District level on January 22, 2022, which was held at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall in Idaho Falls qualifying her for the state (Department) competition.  The Department contest will be held on February 19, 2022, at the Meridian City Hall in Meridian, Idaho. Each state winner who competes in the first round of the national contest will receive a $2,000 scholarship. 

Since 1938, The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program has encouraged the nation’s high school students to study the U.S. Constitution and to hone their public speaking skills.  

The main purpose of the American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution among students. Participants also grow in leadership ability, their capacity to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and understanding of the rights, responsibilities, obligations, and privileges of U.S. citizens.

In addition to the awards by winners of the various elimination rounds of competition, college scholarships of $25,000, $22,500, and $20,000 will be awarded to the first through third places in the national finals. 

The 2022 National Finals will be April 22-24, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana.