2020 Department of California Speech Contest Finals

Department of California Oratorical contest winner and Brentwood School senior Daniel-la Wilson (left), is handed a certificate by Oratorical Chair Josephine Thomas.
(Photo: Fred Shacklett, Whittier Post 51)

The Department of California Oratorical Speech Contest finals were held February 29, 2020 at the Norton Air Force Base Museum. Daniella Wilson who was sponsored by Post 283, District 24, Area 6, finished in first place for the second year in a row with her speech “Pride and Apathy – A Dangerous Paradox.” Daniella is a 12th grader at Brentwood High School in Los Angeles. She will be representing the State of California for the second time, at the National Oratorical Contest, April 17-19, 2020 in Indianapolis.

The six Area contestants at the Department of California finals all were very well prepared and made wonderful presentations. Unfortunately, the nature of competition is that not everyone can win, yet each speaker presented winning performances. For their effort each participant in the Department of California Oratorical Finals received a scholarship.

2020 Oratorical Final Competition Results & Scholarship Awarded

• • • Winner – Daniella Wilson – Area 6, Post 283, Grade 12, $1,200
    • 2nd place – Darshan Vijaykumar, Area 3, Modesto Post 74, Grade 12, $1,000
    • 3rd place – Neva Hidajat, Area 5, Post 360, Grade 9, $700

Runner-Ups

• • • Aaron Shires, Area 2, Post 245, Grade 12, $700
    • Kaylie Ching, Whittier Area 4, Post 51, Grade 12, $700

The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former president candidate Alan Keyes and CNN anchor Lou Dobbs.

National Competition

Effective in 2021, the scholarship award for the first place National Oratorical Contest winner will increase from $20,00 to $25,000; second place will increase from $17,000 to $22,500; and third place will increase from $15,000 to $20,000. The American Legion through the national office awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.

Programs, especially our programs focused on youth, are very important ways Legionnaires serve our communities. Youth programs prepare our youth for success in life. The Media and Communications has new support efforts in motion for our Oratorical Program, they include:

• A new Oratorical Contest marketing video to be completed by the end of May. This will be posted on our DOC TV, YouTube channel and will be available to view at post meetings and local high schools that provide students who will participate and compete in our wonderful speech program.
• A new Oratorical webpage to help focus information on the Oratorical Program with page content supported by the Oratorical Commission.
• Increased exposure for the Oratorical Competition in local media outlets, and
• An improved positive message about our Oratorical Contest that all our Legion Family shares with all Californians.