ORATORICAL
For Blake W. Billmaier it was a big day for him as he won the Oratorical Contest conducted by the Rhein-Neckar Post GR03 of The American Legion. will represent Heidelberg at the Department of France Judging in the Community Club at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart on the . The winner will represent the Department of France at the National level. Winners of the National Level competition will be receiving multiple prizes, including college scholarships.
2nd Place finisher Stuart J. Gujwal walked away with a $200.00 check, and Eillen K. Shannon won $100.00 with her 3rd Place win.
We wish to thank all who supported this contest, Cmdr Edward C. Sherman and Oratorical Contest Chairman (PT) Robert K. Pierce who jumped in and took over the program due to the Chairman George T. Hall being confined to his home following an eye operation at the German Eye Clinic in Heidelberg, a well known eye clinic. We wish George the very best in his recovery period. A few Scouts assisted us, we appreciate that. Department of France Commander Joe D. Brown, Vice Commander at Large Liam Kane came all the way from Wicklow, Ireland as he did last year, Vice Commander Keith Abernathy and Department Service Officer Robert Gray were in attendance to congratulate the winner.
We wish to thank the teachers who did the judging Dr. Brodie (the names of the other two will be posted shortly).
Pictures taken during the contest were provided by for everyone to enjoy. They are posted in the Photo Gallery.
Robert K. Pierce
ORATORICAL CHAIRMAN (PT)
The purpose of The American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship.
This year, the Oratorical Contest was held at the Heidelberg High School Auditorium on February 2, 2007. Oratorical Chairman and Schools Liaison Officer Robert K. Pierce made all the necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth event. The participants were required to be ready to give a 10-minute speech on one of four subjects on the Constitution of the United States, which was selected just before the contest began. After the 10-minutes speech, there were required to come back to the stage for another 4-minutes speech. There were judges seated within the audience and the results were screened by the Oratorical Committee to determine the winners. Results of that Committee were:
1st Place Winner - Simon Dominique
2nd Place Winner - Clara Mc Comb
3rd Place Winner - Unknown
Simon Dominique was last year's winner, and went to the Department of France to compete against all the American Legion Posts in Europe. A strong competitor, he easily walked with top honors at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany.
He will again compete against all 50 States and those from the Far East and Caribbean areas in Indianapolis, IN during April 2007. Good luck Simon.....
