On March 4, 2017, Danielle Axten participated in the 2017 The American Legion Department of Oregon's High School Oratorical Scholarship contest. The Summit High School Senior, who was sponsored by Stevens Chute Post 4 competed at Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs Auditorium in Salem, Oregon. She competed against Area 1 winner and 2016 3rd place contestant Kunal Bhattacharjee (Kunal was sponsored by Post 104 in Aloha, OR.); Area 2, 2015, and 2016 Department of Oregon Oratorical winner James Aldrich (James was sponsored by Post 149 in Salem, OR.); and Area 3 winner and 2016 4th place contestant Brook Hopher (Brook was sponsored by Post 123 in Myrtle Creek, OR.). After the orations on the United States Constitution were delivered by these wonderful speakers, the judges awarded James Aldrich the 2017 Department of Oregon Oratorical title. Danielle ended up placing 3rd at the 2017 contest. Danielle received her American Legion Oratorical medal, 3rd place certificate, and $1,700.00 college scholarship money at the end of the contest. The 3 items are an addition to the 3 titles, certificates, and previously earned $900.00 college scholarship money earned previously in January and February, 2017.
