Hawkins wins national oratorical contest

SOUTH PARIS — Tabatha Hawkins of Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School presented the top prepared oration based upon the US Constitution at the tri-sponsored local post level of the National High School Oratorical Contest on Friday, January 14, at Western Maine Veterans Home.

Extemporaneous feature talks, which follow the prepared orations, are also based on the Constitution. All contestants speak on the same extemporaneous subject. Prepared orations are from eight to 10 minutes in length with extemporaneous featured talks running from three to five minutes.

The major purpose of this activity is to develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives are those of leadership, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently and the preparation for acceptance of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

The Post level is supported by Norway, South Paris and Oxford American Legion Posts.

Tabatha Hawkins moves onto the district level to be held at the South Paris Legion on January 19.

A national scholarship fund of $109,000 provided by the American Legion Life Insurance Trust Fund is divided with the state winner for $1,000, the regional winner for $1,000, and the national finals for $18,000, $16,000, $10,000 and $8,000 through seventh place. The Department pays expenses for the top orator to attend the national finals.

The Tri-Posts are proud to sponsor well deserved students of the Oxford Hills area.