District 7 American Legion Oratorical Contest Winners

The District 7 American Legion oratorical contest was held in Willmar on Sunday, February 2nd. Rueben Nathe of Litchfield conducted the contest.

Nathe was assisted by District 7 Commander Carl Wilson of Brandon and by members of the Willmar American Legion. First place went to Alyson Johnson – a senior at Willmar High School. She received an $800 scholarship. Alyson will represent District 7 in the state contest on February 22nd – hosted by the Osseo and Anoka American Legion posts.

Second place went to William Pennertz of Litchfield. William is a senior at Litchfield High School and received a $400 scholarship. Third place went to Alison Sarsland – a senior at New London-Spicer High School. She received a $200 scholarship.

The purpose of the oratorical contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution. It also helps the students develop leadership and speaking qualities. The winner of the state American Legion oratorical contest qualifies for the national contest which will be held in May in Hillsdale, Michigan which has a first place scholarship prize of $25,000.