ELKINS — Officials are encouraging local high school students to participate in a patriotic oratorical contest.

H.W. Daniels Post 29 of The American Legion is looking for local high school students in Elkins and the surrounding area to take part in the contest.

American Legion District Chairman Donnie Lambert said the contest is an opportunity to expand one’s public speaking and be recognized and awarded for it.

“It’s a great program that isn’t participated in as much as the others Post 29 participates in,” Lambert said. “Since COVID-19, we haven’t had anyone participate in the program from Elkins.”

The contest starts at the local level and deals with the U.S. Constitution. Contestants give 8-10 minute prepared speeches before a panel of judges by memory on topics given to them on the day of the contest.

This year, the topics are on the 2nd Amendment, the right to bear arms; the 5th Amendment, forced self-incrimination; the 12th Amendment, about the Electoral College; or the 25th Amendment, about presidential power and its transfer.

Whoever wins at the local or District level will receive a $200 check and a medal, and will advance to the Sectional contest. At the Sectional level, this District winner will compete with other District winners.

“Don’t let that worry you,” Lambert said. “Sometimes some Districts do not have anyone participate, so you could get first or second place at Sectional for just showing up that day.”

At the sectional level, a winner receives a $300 check and a medal, and will advance to the state competition. The State Competition will be held in Shinnston at the American Legion facility.

Since the program’s start in 1953, only two Elkins students have won at the state level, both in the last 10 years: Lauren Spears in 2014 and Hayden Long in 2018.

State winners receive a four-year tuition waiver to a West Virginia college or university, as well as $2,500. At the national level, they receive $2,000 for arriving for the competition.

The winner of the national competition receives $25,000, with second place getting $22,500 and third place, $20,000. The National Competition is slated for May 17-19 in Hillsdale, Michigan.

Anyone interested in participating should contact their local high school guidance counselor, their local American Legion post, or may contact Lambert at 304-621-0483.