American Legion Oratorical Contest

UPDATE ON COMPETITION

December 22nd 2024 County Competition!

County Commander Robert Haumann, Jorge Niederhoff, and Dunbar Post Commander Herb Dunmore.

Ms. Debra McClendon Birdie, CEO of PGR, Inc. and talented coach to previous Champions.

Former County Commander and Dunbar Post 1642 Commander Darlene Spivey in foreground. Future Contest and, observing the competition, in the background!

Legionnaires County 1st Vice Commander James Bass, County and 5th District Treasurer Burdette Sanderson and County Service Officer Glen Wheelock.

County Judge Advocate and Competition Judge Juanita Perez along with James Bass.

Managing the sequence of events were Dunbar Post assistant finance manager Sue Threat and Lounge Manager Lonnie Senior.

Commander Herb Dunmore addressing the crowd.

L-R (seated) County and 5th District Treasurer Burdette Sanderson, County 1st Vice Commander James Bass, and County Service Officer Glen Wheelock (standing) County Adjutant William Galvin.

Diane Greenpope, Dunbar Post Vice Commander along with Jim Bass.

The American Legion National Oratorical Competition, a prestigious event with a history dating back to 1938, was established to foster a deeper understanding and respect for the US Constitution among high school students. This academic speaking challenge not only hones leadership skills and builds confidence but also equips students to articulate their thoughts effectively.

The New York State Oratorical Contest is one of the primary activities of the Onondaga County American Legion.

Over the years, Onondaga County has been at the forefront of promoting the American Legion National Oratorical Competition, tirelessly seeking out talented and passionate students to represent the county in this esteemed US Constitutional Oratorical Competition. Each county post has been requested to participate in the contest by approaching high school administrators and teachers to encourage students to compete.

The Dunbar American Legion Post 1642 is honored to have provided some of the winners of the New York State competition. Several of our participants have gone on to receive college degrees as well as develop the confidence to compete in all areas of life.

In 2002, 2003, and 2004, we had two New York State winners, Natasha S. Alford (2002/2003) and Jessica Kye Fredette (2004). The story of Natasha Alford, who advanced to the National Contest in Indianapolis, Indiana, is memorable. She received a degree from Harvard University and is now a CNN political analyst, providing political opinions and assessments.

Onondaga County Posts have sponsored more than 25 students and provided over one thousand ($1000.) dollars in awards to assist students to move up the ladder from local through District and Zone competitions, to the New York State level and National level of competition.

We expect to continue our success through the collective efforts of all Onondaga County Posts.