PELHAM – Pelham High School senior Addison Fuller won first place at the American Legion District 23 Oratorical Contest held Saturday, Feb. 3, at the First Baptist Church of Pelham.

Mason Herrington, also a senior at PHS, took second place. Both will receive monetary awards.

Fuller will go on to compete at the Division 2 contest Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. at Shades Crest Baptist Church in Birmingham.

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.

American Legion’s Oratorical Contest awards more than $138,000 in scholarships each year.