Three high school students from Arizona, Colorado, and Pennsylvania will compete in the finals of The American Legion’s 87th National Oratorical Contest on the U.S. Constitution, according to a May 16 announcement. Wendy Gluski of Scottsdale, Arizona; Juliet Hetzel of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Judah Donnelly of Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania are the top three finalists who will vie for a $25,000 scholarship on Sunday morning.
The contest highlights the importance of civic education and public speaking among youth. Each finalist advanced through department-level competitions before reaching this stage. The second- and third-place winners will receive scholarships worth $22,500 and $20,000 respectively.
Hetzel said she was overwhelmed upon learning she had reached the finals: “I’ve worked so hard for this. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything more in my life. I’ve just prayed and hoped for this so much.” Her prepared oration focuses on the separation of church and state—a subject she describes as personal—adding that every American has both “the right but also the moral responsibility to bring what they believe is right and wrong into politics.” Hetzel said her mother is her biggest supporter: “She’s constantly been talking about working hard but she also constantly tells me that success doesn’t determine who you are.”
Donnelly is competing at nationals for the first time after two previous attempts at lower levels. He credited his progress to learning from past champions: “That’s what I think has gotten me this far.” He added that researching the Constitution gave him a deeper appreciation for civic responsibility: “It’s given me a greater appreciation for the veterans and people who serve our country.”
Gluski is participating in her first contest after attending Arizona Girls State. She said she enjoyed writing her oration as well as reading analysis on constitutional issues: “I kind of just hope to inspire people through the Constitution because it does empower us to talk to each other.” Gluski emphasized that political discourse within families is important.
The finalists emerged from an initial field of 53 contestants who delivered prepared speeches on constitutional topics before judges at Hillsdale College in Michigan—the home venue for this year’s event.
