Submitted photo Shown from left are Matt Sampson, Department Commander, Juliann Harlan and Frank Nichalson, Past Department Commander.

ELKINS — Elkins High School freshman Juliann Harlan has won The American Legion, Department of West Virginia Oratorical Contest.

The contest took place at American Legion Post 31 in Shinnston on March 9.

Harlan competed against Section A and C champions Chase Moss, 12th grade, Doddridge County High School, and Logan White, 12th grade, Mount View High School.

The students gave speeches on topics involving the U.S. Constitution. Moss was named the contest’s runner up, and White was awarded third place. 

The winner of the state contest receives a four-year tuition waiver at a West Virginia college or university, and also $2,500.

Just six students from Elkins High School have ever advanced past state competition. That list includes Hayden Long (2018), Lauren Spears (2014), David Conway (1968), Thomas Craig (1963-1964), Patsy Dugan (1960), and Julie Ann Rohr (1959).

Harlan will now move on to the national contest, which is scheduled for May 17-19 in Hillsdale, Michigan. The winner at nationals will receive $25,000, with the runner-up receiving $22,500 and third place $20,000.

On her way to the state competition, Harlan captured first place in the Section B competition, held at American Legion H.W. Daniels Post 29 in Elkins in February. During that contest, she defeated Grafton High School senior Nathan Castle (District 2) and Hampshire High School junior Austin Smith (District 10) to move on.

Harlan captured first place in the District 9 Oratorical Contest at American Legion Post 29’s Calain Hall in January.

The January contest was open to high school students, grades nine through 12, in Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, Pocahontas, Webster, Nicholas and Greenbrier counties.

The Oratorical Scholarship Program’s first contest took place in 1953. Detroit Catholic Central High School student Andrew Kil has won the national competition the past two years. 

Students must be enrolled in high school or junior high school during the time of participation at any level of The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest. 

Eligible participants must be citizens of or lawful permanent residents of the United States.

All contestants must be bona fide students herein described as any student under the age of 20 years on the date of the national contest who is presently enrolled in a high school or junior high school (public, parochial, military, private or home school).