Sally Martin, a freshman from Clear Spring High School, has won the American Legion Maryland District 7 Oratorical Contest. According to a community announcement, Sally secured her victory at Boonsboro Post 10 on Jan. 21 and then competed in the district contest in Cumberland, Md. on Feb. 8.
She has already earned a $300 scholarship and will now advance to the state level, where she will compete against other district winners.
The state winner will have the opportunity to participate in the National Finals at Hillsdale College in Michigan from May 16-18. The national competition offers significant scholarship awards, with $25,000 for first place, $22,500 for second and $20,000 for third. Additional cash awards are available at each level.
Contestants delivered prepared orations and spoke on randomly assigned constitutional topics. Sally’s presentation, “Freedom is not Free,” impressed the judges.
Each year, Boonsboro Post 10 awards several scholarships to local students, open to those in grades nine through 12, including homeschooled individuals.
The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program has encouraged high school students to study the U.S. Constitution and develop public speaking skills since 1938.
For more information, go to legion.org/oratorical or contact a local legion post.
This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
Washington County Public Schools names ESP of the Year finalists
