Malik Harris (left) speaks with Mike Hasson, American Legion District 21 commander, and Pam Genant, Post 322 historian and District 21 adjutant at the national American Legion Oratorical competition.
The national American Legion Oratorical competition took place May 16-18 on the campus of Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Mich.
After winning in local, regional, and state levels, Freedom High senior Malik Harris reached the semifinals in the national American Legion Oratorical competition.
In his bracket, he competed against Alabama, California, Connecticut, Minnesota, and Vermont. Harris represented Post 322, District 21, Division 5, and the Department (state) of North Carolina. He was one of 18, from a field of 50, to reach the semifinals, earning a $4,000 scholarship.
Each competitor is given an assigned topic, drawn by the contest official in full view of the audience. The speaker has 3-5 minutes to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject, the extent of their research, and the ability to discuss the topic as related to the basic principles of government under the U.S. Constitution.
The senior won the local contest in February, the division competition March 1 in Sylva, and the state competition in Chapel Hill on March 29. National winners were Mary Crosby of Washington (first), Gina Harjani of Tennessee (second) and Elena Andrews of South Dakota (third).
The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.
Angela Kuper Copeland is the editor. She may be reached at 828-445-8595, ext. 2003, or angela@thepaper.media.
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