By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Four high school students, representing different American Legion posts, competed in the post division oratorical competition March 5 at First Baptist Church of Pelham.

Pelham High School senior Aaron Wilkes represented American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555, and he contested against Daniel Blessing of Auburn, Jarian Lee of Birmingham and Marlie Wells of Tuscaloosa.

“This is a very important part of the American Legion, the oratorical contest,” said American Legion State Commander David Hartline. “The Constitution is something that, I believe, should be taught in high schools everyday.”

Each of the students prepared an eight- to 10-minute speech centralizing on the Constitution and its amendments, and they also related the document to modern day.

Wilkes discussed history and foundation, Blessing used the metaphor of an antebellum house, Lee emphasized the duty of voting and Wells focused on the power of the people.

The students were not allowed to use notecards or a podium and were scored by four judges.

The second portion of the competition was an impromptu speech. An audience member drew the topic from four possibilities, and each of the students was given five minutes to prepare.

Each student spoke for three to five minutes on the 26^th amendment to the Constitution, which gave every person 18 and older the right to vote.

Sophomore Blessing was selected as the winner of the oratorical contest, earning him a $300 scholarship and a seat in the state competition in Montgomery. Lee placed second with a $200 scholarship, Wells placed third with a $100 scholarship and Wilkes placed fourth.

“I want all of you to know that you all did fantastic,” said 2^nd Commander Rick Waller. “Good job, and we really appreciate all the hard work that you have done. All the hard work shows.”