Oxford senior wins county level American Legion Oratorical Contest
NORWICH – After delivering a compelling oration on the rights of women, an Oxford High School senior will be advancing to the District level of competition in the American Legion’s 74th Annual Oratorical Contest.
Anne Marie Paster of McDonough took top honors at the Chenango County level of the competition on Saturday, held at the Norwich campus of Morrisville State College. Along with a certificate signifying her accomplishment, she also received a $250 scholarship courtesy of the Chenango County American Legion.
During the county-level competition – which was judged by City of Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano and City of Norwich Second Ward Alderman Terry Bresina – Paster demonstrated her knowledge of the United States Constitution during both a prepared oration entitled, “Civil Obligation,” and an additional three minute unprepared discussion on the Tenth Amendment.
“This is a second appearance from Anne Marie,” said Hank Burnor, Commander of the Chenango County American Legion. Two years ago, the Oxford student placed second with an oration on Freedom of Speech.
At the time, Paster was a freshman. Now, at 16, she is preparing to graduate from high school a year early.
“She herself is extraordinary,” said Oratorical Committee Chair Lori Olsen, who described the young woman as a dedicated volunteer, always looking for opportunities to give back to the community.
According to Olsen, the American Legion Oratorical Contest is designed to encourage students to learn about the United States Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Not only is it a learning experience for those involved, but “it allows the students to express what is important to them,” she explained.
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.
For Paster, the next step will be the District Competition at 1 p.m. on Jan. 8 at the Tioga County Office Building in Owego. There she will compete against orators from each of the other counties within New York’s Sixth District.
“She has it all down,” said Olsen, who will continue to work with the Oxford senior over the next month to help her polish her presentation skills. These preparations will include speaking before community groups, such as the Rotary.
“She needs the opportunity to practice,” Olsen explained.
Anne Marie Paster of McDonough took top honors at the Chenango County level of the competition on Saturday, held at the Norwich campus of Morrisville State College. Along with a certificate signifying her accomplishment, she also received a $250 scholarship courtesy of the Chenango County American Legion.
During the county-level competition – which was judged by City of Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano and City of Norwich Second Ward Alderman Terry Bresina – Paster demonstrated her knowledge of the United States Constitution during both a prepared oration entitled, “Civil Obligation,” and an additional three minute unprepared discussion on the Tenth Amendment.
“This is a second appearance from Anne Marie,” said Hank Burnor, Commander of the Chenango County American Legion. Two years ago, the Oxford student placed second with an oration on Freedom of Speech.
At the time, Paster was a freshman. Now, at 16, she is preparing to graduate from high school a year early.
“She herself is extraordinary,” said Oratorical Committee Chair Lori Olsen, who described the young woman as a dedicated volunteer, always looking for opportunities to give back to the community.
According to Olsen, the American Legion Oratorical Contest is designed to encourage students to learn about the United States Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Not only is it a learning experience for those involved, but “it allows the students to express what is important to them,” she explained.
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.
For Paster, the next step will be the District Competition at 1 p.m. on Jan. 8 at the Tioga County Office Building in Owego. There she will compete against orators from each of the other counties within New York’s Sixth District.
“She has it all down,” said Olsen, who will continue to work with the Oxford senior over the next month to help her polish her presentation skills. These preparations will include speaking before community groups, such as the Rotary.
“She needs the opportunity to practice,” Olsen explained.
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