Submitted photo American Legion Post 31 in Shinnston recently hosted the state finals of the American Legion Department of West Virginia Oratorical Scholarship contest. Juliann Harlan, a sophomore at Elkins High School, repeated as state champion and will represent West Virginia at the national contest in Michigan in May. From left are Frank Nicholson (Department Oratorical Chairman), runner-up Audrey Barrios (a senior at Huntington High School), Harlan, third-place Alexandria Glennon (a junior at Wheeling Park High School) and Department Vice Commander Keith Brown.

ELKINS — Elkins High School sophomore Juliann Harlan has repeated as state champion of the American Legion Oratorical Scholarship contest, and will now move on to the national competition.

After winning the 9th District Oratorical Contest at American Legion Post 29 in Elkins in January, Harlan advanced to the state competition in Shinnston on March 22, where she once again topped the best competitors in the state.

Huntington High School’s Audrey Barrios finished runner-up in the contest, while Wheeling Park’s Alexandria Glennon placed third.

Next up for Harlan will be the 2025 National Finals, which will take place May 16-18 at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan.

Quarterfinal and semifinal competition is scheduled for Saturday, May 17. The finals of the tournament are slated for Sunday, May 18, and the theme for this year’s competition focuses on public speaking on aspects of the U.S. Constitution, and the duties and obligations of citizens.

More than $203,500 in scholarships are awarded each year at the national competition. The overall national contest winner receives a $25,000 scholarship, while second place takes home $22,500, and third $20,000.

Each state winner who participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship. The scholarships can be used at any college or university in the United States.

The Oratorical Scholarship program began in 1938 and teaches students in grades 9 through 12 important leadership qualities. While competing in the contest, students learn the history of our nation’s laws, and the ability to think and speak clearly, and gain an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

Other than Harlan, 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).