Junior Lauryn Jones took second in the American Legion Oratorical Contest on Jan. 24 at the American Legion Post 117 on Tillman Road.
"I became involved because of my mother who thought it would be a great opportunity for me to improve my public speaking skills and learn about the U.S. Constitution," Jones said.
The contest had to be on some aspect of the constitution, and she gave her oration on the "8th Power" which gives authority to that person to be in charge and make decisions on behalf of the President of the United States if he or she becomes unable to fulfill his or her duties.
Orations could not be shorter than 8 minutes and no longer than 10 minutes. If participants went under or over their time points were deducted from their overall score. Participants were not allowed to hear each other orations and were taken to holding rooms to wait their turn. Participants could not use a microphone, podium or props. Competition came down to four contenders. Jones and another student both scored the same so judges had to make decision who was the best.
"It was a great experience, and I would do it all again if I had the time," Jones said. "I'm proud to have represented learned a lot about our constitution."