State Oratorical Winner 2017 The Vermont American Legion Oratorical Speech Finals was conducted at the VA Medical Center at the Yasinski Education Center, Building #44 in White River Jct, Vermont on Sat. March 11, 2017. Competing to represent District 1 was Alyse Beauchemin, a senior from Vergennes Union High School, District 2 was Abigail Ham a Freshmen from Lyndon, Vermont and District 3 was represented by Jaser Goodman from Harwood High School. Each student began by competing at their sponsoring American Legion Post and was the winner of his or her respective District competition to earn a place in the Mar. 11th finals contest. By the contest rules, each must present an original Prepared Oration of 8 – 10 minutes on some aspect of the Constitution, with emphasis on a citizen’s duties and obligations to our government. The Assigned Topic was selected from four known amendments 5 min. before presentation and had to be given in a 3-5 min. time limit. Each student spoke on Amendment 17, on the Senate of the United States shall be composed of Two Senators from each state, elected by the people.. The purpose of the assigned topic discourse is to test the speaker's knowledge of the subject, the extent of his or her research, and the ability to discuss the topic as related to the basic principles of government under the Constitution. First place garnered $1000 and went to Alyse Beauchemin from VUHS. This is the 4rd year Beauchemin has competed in the Oratorical program and the third year she will go to National. Second place and $300.00 went to Abigail Ham, a Freshman at Lyndon High School sponsored by Lyndon Post 30. Third place was taken by a Freshman from Harwood High School, Jasper Goodman who earned $200.00 sponsored by Waterbury Post # 59 . Judges for the contest were PDC Richard Farmer, Windsor County Commander Dan Hillard, PDC Marlys Lemhah, John Tester, Keven Sewart. Timekeepers were PDC Barb Bushaw & Cookie Steponantis from Post #14. Tabulators were Elaine MacKensie and Tom Navin VT Department Legislative Advisory Committee,

 

 

Third place

 

Second Place

 

First Place

 

All contestants with Commander Heald & Chairman Karlene DeVine

 

View more photo galleries by Post 100 in Montpelier, Vermont