ORATORICAL COMMITTEE
Michael Cortes

On Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Department of Pennsylvania's American Legion Oratorical contest was held at the Robert H. Poke Post 272 in Linglestown. Once again, Post 272 extended its welcome and provided a venue for three outstanding students from across Pennsylvania to display their exceptional talents and hard work.

This year's victory went to Miss Amelia Summers, Central Section, a junior at Annville-Cleona High School, representing Conner-Streicher Post 559 and District 19. Amelia represented Pennsylvania at the National Contest for the second year. Amelia was awarded $7,500 from the Department of Pennsylvania and additional cash awards for appearing at the National Contest on the weekend of May 17 at Hillsdale, Michigan. Second and third place went to Miss Rachel Kennedy from Western Section and Miss Angie Torresluna from Eastern Section. Rachel Kennedy from the Western Section was in grade 11 at Altoona Area High School. She represented A and J Iaia Post 827 and District 21 and was awarded $5,000 for her efforts. Angie Torresluna from Eastern Section was in Grade 12 at Mastery Charter School Lenfest Campus. She represented American Defenders Inc Post 968 and District 1. He was awarded $4,000.

Laura Smerback and Richard Schloendorn joined our committee this year to serve as the ViceChairs for the Western and Central Section. As we often say, we still have many open positions and opportunities for you to support the Oratorical Scholarship program and our students. Join your District and Post for the Oratorical program, and help to promote and conduct the contest.

Meet some of the amazing students who are considering, evaluating, and speaking on our constitution and the American way of life. We welcome and train anyone wishing to assist in some way. Are you feeling the pull to support the students of Pennsylvania on their journey as responsible citizens?

I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Oratorical Committee and will gratefully continue to serve at the pleasure of the Department. I’d like to call attention to Department Adjutant James Hogan, the entire department staff, District Commanders, District Chairs, County and Post Chairs, inter-district coordinators, and volunteers who all had a hand in creating a successful and professional program. We can't accomplish this without them, and my gratitude is immense.

Finally, the vice-chairs for the Eastern, Central, and Western sections are the team members I depend on most. I rely on our vice-chairs to reach success and serve our youth. I can only hope that each will return next year, but all have contributed in ways that will endure to the future. They inspire others to excel and mentor those who will continue forward. To them, I owe respect and appreciation beyond measure.