Alex Johnstone, a junior at Sharon Springs, is Schoharie County’s top orator.
Alex won the Schoharie County American Legion’s Oratorical Contest last Monday, edging out three other students in the competition held at Cobleskill-Richmondville High School.
Although the Legion nationally has held the oratorical contest for more than 70 years, this the first time Schoharie County Legionnaires have hosted one.
Students had to give an original oration for eight to 10 minutes from memory, without notes, and were then judged.
The speeches were on some aspect of the US Constitution, with the contest focusing on teaching leadership qualities and an understanding of the rights and privileges of American citizenship.
Alex’s topic was “Our Rights, Our Principles, Our Bill of Rights.” He received a $250 first prize from Legion Commander Gary Schacher.
Second place went to Kevin Hwang, a senior at Cobleskill-Richmondville, whose topic was “The Voice of American Democracy Today.” He received a $150 prize.
Anton Gruning, Middleburgh sophomore, won third place and $100 for his speech, “Domestic Tranquility.”
Also competing was Garrett Berdan, Middleburgh sophomore, whose topic was “Interpretation.”
Alex and Kevin, the top two winners, will advance to compete regionally in Troy on January 8. Winners on that day will have a chance to go to zone, state and national competitions.
The national overall winners receive scholarships of $18,000 for first place, $16,000 for second and $14,000 for third.
Legionnaire Frank Masterson was the chairman of the Schoharie County contest. Judges were Reverend Carol Coltrain, SUNY Cobleskill Vice President Steve Ackerknecht and Schoharie County Judge George Bartlett.