(Left to right are) American Legion Department Commander Keith Koster, first place contestant/student Yasmin Issa, SSCS History teacher Dave Nedelsky, Sharon Springs Post Commander Paul Todd at Lake George Junior-Senior High School.
Congratulations to SSCS junior Yasmin Issa who won the regional level of the American Legion Oratorical Contest at Lake George Junior-Senior High School over the weekend. Yasmin now moves on to the State Oratorical Competition in Albany on March 8th. If she places first or second in the states she will go on to the National Competition.
Yasmin won the annual Schoharie County American Legion Oratorical Contest in December. The grand prize at the national event is $25,000, which can be used toward their college education.
The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.
The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former presidential candidate Alan Keyes, national television commentator and talk radio host Lou Dobbs, and former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence.
