Submitted photo Juliann Harlan, center, winner of the American Legion, Department of West Virginia Oratorical Contest recently addressed the Rotary Club of Elkins. Shown with Harlan are her mother, Trenna Robinson, left, and Tammie Rizzio, president of the Elkins Rotary Club.

ELKINS — Elkins High School sophomore Juliann Harlan addressed the Rotary Club of Elkins, telling the group about her experience competing in the American Legion, Department of West Virginia Oratorical Contest, as well as some other public speaking experience she has had.

According to the American Legion’s website, the 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.” Harlan’s topic for the contest was “The Banning of Books and Curricula in Schools is Simply Unconstitutional.”

Harlan’s passion for public speaking began in the fourth grade. She decided to enter her school’s social studies fair in order to learn about West Virginia history and her family’s history. Her project focused on McWhorter Cabin, which is located at Jackson’s Mill. The cabin was the home of Henry McWhorter, Harlan’s eighth-generation great grandfather, during the American Revolution. “I thought it would be a great idea to teach people all about what he [McWhorter] did for this country,” said Harlan. This project sparked a love in Harlan for both researching and public speaking. She placed first in her category at her school, followed by a first-place finish at both the county level and the regional level. She eventually won first place at the West Virginia State Social Studies Fair in State and Local Studies.

“The love that the social studies fair put into me for public speaking led me to joining the Elkins High School Speech and Debate Team in the seventh grade with one friend in my class. I know being twelve going up against eighteen-year-olds in a speaking contest can seem a little scary at times, but not only could I adapt but I could do anything no matter my age,” stated Harlan.

While an eighth-grade student, Harlan was able to attend the West Virginia Ambassadors Camp, which is an educational summer camp. The camp provides participants with opportunities to learn more about the state of West Virginia with programs at the State Capitol and about college life while they stay in the University of Charleston dorms. “I met kids my age who were just like me. It taught me that I can do anything that involves law or politics in my state and local area no matter my age,” said Harlan.

Following her experience at the Ambassadors Camp, Harlan looked for other opportunities to hone her public speaking skills, finding the American Legion Oratorical Contest. “I really didn’t know what all the oratorical contest was, but I just wanted to share my views on the constitution,” stated Harlan. “I had no idea that it was so much more than just talking about what you believe in. You talk about aspects of the constitution that I hadn’t even been taught about in school. It was so much bigger than I thought it to be. This led me to really putting forth the effort and creating a speech on book and curriculum banning.” At the regional competition, Harlan competed against two high school seniors, besting them to advance to the state competition.

At the state contest, Harlan again defeated two high school seniors to earn a spot in the national oratorical contest.

The national competition took place at Hillsdale College in Michigan, one of the first colleges in the country confer degrees to people of color and women in the late 1800s. “Not only did I go and learn about my nation and this local college, I got to listen to some of the best constitutional scholars in our country,” said Harlan. “I went up there and I did my best. I knew that if I tried, I could do good and make not only myself but my community proud. Even though I didn’t make the semi-finals, the experience and confidence I gained was worth so much more than any medal.”

More information about the American Legion State Oratorical Contest can be found at www.legion.com/oratorical. Participants in the contest have the opportunity to receive college scholarship funds. The overall national winner receives $25,000. The second-place winner receives $22,500 while the third-place winner receives $20,000. Each state winner receives $2,000 and those advancing past the first round of the national contest receive an additional $2,000. These scholarship funds can be used at any college or university in the United States.

Following the national oratorical competition, Harlan was invited by the local American Legion to be the keynote speaker for the Memorial Day celebration.

Harlan also had the opportunity to attend Citizens Washington Focus through 4-H. This summer educational conference gives 4-H youth the opportunity to explore, develop and refine the civil engagement skills they need to be outstanding leaders in their home communities and at the national level. Harlan was able to meet Senators Manchin and Capito and to tour a number of monuments throughout Washington, D.C. There were also workshops and lectures.

“Throughout all of my experiences, I’ve not only learned about our amazing nation, but I’ve learned about myself. It’s helped me to grow and learn to be able to do what I believe in and speak out for others who might be too scared and tell others that opportunities for our youth are out there. You just need to look for them,” concluded Harlan.

Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in their communities and in themselves.

Visit www.Rotary.org to learn more about Rotary International, visit the club’s Facebook page — Rotary Club of Elkins — or contact club president Tammie Rizzio at tammierizzio@gmail.com for more information about the Rotary Club of Elkins.