2008 Post 57 Oratorical Winners

Local student Chrystal Underwood nabbed first place in Georgia's fifth district at the recent American Legion Oratorical Contest with a relevant and timely topic - "The Right to Vote."

Underwood was actually the runner-up at Newnan's Post 57 competition on January 26 to Rachel Bollinger. Bollinger, however, had a conflict on the date of the district competition, so Underwood took her place.

Underwood is competing for the "area" today. If she wins, she'll go on to the state competition in March in Perry, Georgia, then on to the national competition.

Monetary awards are given to winners at every level. The top three speakers in the nation will receive sizable scholarships - $12,000 for third place, $14,000 for second, and $16,000 for first place.

Competitors must prepare a speech between eight and ten minutes in length on a Constitutional amendment of their choice. They are asked to explain their selection and emphasize the duties and responsibilities that go hand-in-hand with each right given.

The Constitution topic for a second speech is drawn from a pool of possibilities, and competitors are given five minutes to prepare a second, three-to-five minute talk.

Underwood, 17, is home-schooled through Soaring Eagles Co-op. She heard of the oratorical contest through a speech class she's taking at the co-op. She and classmates prepared for their speeches in class.

"To hear her speak, you would think she's had all kinds of training," said G.D. Hendrix, Oratorical Chairman for Post 57.

Underwood emphasized each citizen's "duty" to research candidates before selecting "the best."
She also stressed that "rights are privileges."

Local competitors, aside from Underwood and Bollingers, were: Logan Moore, third place winner; Harrison Forde; Ian Miller; Austin Newell; Casey McCully; Emily Lawler; and Taratha McDaniel.

Local judges were Post 57 Commander Dick Stender, John O'Connor, Willie Boyd, John Adams, and Fred Goodell. Tabulators were John and Mary Lynn Lager. Escorts were Post 57 Auxiliary President Janet Bartholemew, and Doris Dewey. Orville Dewey served as the Sargent at Arms for the local contest.