PELHAM – For the second year in a row, a Pelham High School student will compete in the American Legion’s statewide oratorical contest that’s set for March 9.

The 2nd Division Oratorical Scholarship Contest, officiated by Vice Commander Ron Bradstreet, took place at First Baptist Church of Pelham on Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. Pelham High School senior Tramaine Moore came out on top in the competition winning first place.

Caroline Bass, a senior at Vestavia Hills High School, won second place, and third place went to Wil Hyche, a senior Glenwood High School in Phenix City.

Each of the winners received certificates of distinction and engraved gold, silver and bronze medals. The judges and the moderator for the competition each received a coffee mug with an eagle and Post 555 printed on the side.

Moore is now eligible to compete in the American Legion Department Oratorical Scholarship Contest on March 9 at the State Department Archives Museum in Montgomery. Moore and her parents will be invited to attend activities associated with the oratorical contest in Montgomery as guests of the American Legion on March 8.

This marks the second year in a row that a Pelham High School student will compete in the state competition.

The first-place winner of the state competition receives a $5,000 scholarship and is offered a four-year scholarship to University of Alabama as long as he/she maintains a 3.0 GPA and can pass the entrance exams. The winner is also eligible to compete in the national oratorical competition. Second place receives $3,000 scholarship and third places gets $2,000 scholarship.

In the national competition, contestants will spend three days in Indianapolis at the headquarters for the American Legion. All expenses will be paid for the contestant and two chaperones.

The winner of the national contest receives an $18,000 scholarship, second place receives $16,000 and third place gets $14,000. Also, each time the contestants give their speeches they will receive $1,500.