Submitted photo Elkins High School’s Julian Harlan, center, recently captured first place in the American Legion Department of West Virginia Oratorical Contest for the third straight year.

SHINNSTON — For a third consecutive year, Elkins High School student Julian Harlan has been named the American Legion Department of West Virginia Oratorical Contest winner.

The annual contest, which challenges high school students to explore and understand the U.S. Constitution while developing confidence, leadership and communication skills, took place at the American Legion Post 31 headquarters in Shinnston.

The winner of the state contest receives a four-year tuition waiver at a West Virginia college or university, and $2,500. Because Harlan has won the competition in the past, the waiver will go to this year’s second place winner.

Harlan advanced to the state contest after winning the Section B competition at the Post 29 H.W. Daniels American Legion in Elkins in February. She moved on to that event after winning the District 9 contest in January, which was open to high school students from Randolph, Barbour, Tucker, Pocahontas, Webster, Nicholas and Greenbrier counties.

“It has been quite something to watch her grow the way she has in this program,” Elkins American Legion District Chairman Donnie Lambert told The Inter-Mountain. “Every year she gets that much better and she is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to these types of competitions.”

With the victory, Harlan advanced to the national contest that will be in Hillsdale, Michigan beginning on May 15. The winner of the national competition will receive $25,000, while the runner-up will bring home $22,500, and third place $20,000.

“The Post is extremely proud of her and we expect to see good things from her at nationals this year,” Lambert said.

Only six other students from Elkins High School have ever advanced to the national competition: Hayden Long (2018), Lauren Spears (2014), David Conway (1968), Thomas Craig (1963-1964), Patsy Dugan (1960), and Julie Ann Rohr (1959).

The first National Oratorical Contest took place in 1938, and there has never been a winner from West Virginia. Some past notable alumni of the national competition include former Vice President Mike Pence, commentator Lou Dobbs, and presidential candidate Alan Keyes.