NORWICH – After delivering a compelling oration on the separation of church and state, a Greene High School senior will be advancing to the district level of competition in the American Legion’s 72nd Annual Oratorical Contest.

Emily Hermanovitch of Greene took top honors at the Chenango County level of the competition on Sunday, held at SUNY Morrisville’s Norwich campus.

“It is something that is really important to me because of my personal beliefs,” said Hermanovitch, of her selected topic.

Hermanovitch demonstrated her knowledge of the United States Constitution during both her prepared oration and an additional three minute unprepared discussion on the Third Amendment.

The American Legion Oratorical Contest is designed to encourage students to learn about the United States Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Competition begins on the local level, with winners advancing to progressively higher levels, accumulating scholarship money along the way. National finals are held in April.

Hermanovitch said she was interested in the oratorical contest as soon as she learned of it at school.

“I’m planning on a career in politics or law,” Hermanovitch explained. “What better way to practice than talk about the constitution.” The high school senior will be heading to Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA next fall, where she plans to concentrate her studies in political science and pre-law.