Denmark American Legion hosts Oratorical Contest

On Saturday, the Denmark American Legion Johnson-Hershman Post 363 hosted this year's district level of the Legion's High School Oratorical Scholarship Competition at Denmark High School (DHS). That morning, two DHS students competed by each presenting two timed speeches on subjects relating to the United States Constitution. The Denmark News stopped by to learn more.

Every year since 1938, the American Legion has facilitated a speaking contest to help spread awareness on important governmental matters and to reward students who advocate for them. The program strives to teach 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. Each year, the competition is hosted by Legion posts nationwide with over $200,000 in scholarship funds being awarded annually. This was the second year the Denmark Post has taken part in the competition after hosting both the district and county competitions last school year.

On Saturday, the Legion welcomed one and all to join them and this year's selected judges in the DHS Collaboration Room for this year's post-level contest. This year's judges were Village of Denmark President Susan Selner, City of Green Bay Attorney Jonathan Lee and Legion Post 539 member and former college professor, Michelle DeJesus. They were assisted by Denmark Legion members Rich Gause and Dave Rasmussen who served as tabulators for timing and scoring. At 10 a.m., Post Vice Commander Ross Groehler welcomed all before explaining the rules and procedures of the competition. Each contestant would deliver both an 8- to 10-minute speech on any aspect of the Constitution as well as a 3- to 5-minute impromptu speech on one of four potential topics drawn at random. Both speeches were to be delivered without any notes, podium or microphone.

DHS senior Barrett Czarneski went first, delivering his prepared speech on ways the ideals set forth in the Constitution have not been truly accomplished stating, "Its full purpose and potential has yet to be achieved." He detailed a number of injustices and inequalities throughout history that contradicted the ideals the document claimed and how leadership and action from great figures like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nat Turner helped move the nation closer towards them. Czarneski also spoke on the concept of "tranquility" guaranteed by the Constitution and how our nation has fallen short of it due to constant division and frequent violence.  He closed by stating, "Our freedoms and liberties have always been in conflict. We must not rely on the government to protect them…Our ultimate duty to the Constitution is action."

Next, DHS freshman Aiden Walber delivered his prepared speech which centered on the 22nd Amendment and how it "really changed the way our government works". He spoke on the two-term precedent set by George Washington and how most of the other Presidents had followed suit. Walber said, although the amendment was not ratified until 1951, it had been a topic of debate when the Constitution was drafted and was a "very important" piece of our government. He closed by saying the amendment helps "keep us united" and how it had "led us to where we are now and will lead us great in the future".

Groehler then facilitated the random drawing of the assigned topic with Article IV, Section 4, of the Constitution being selected. The contestants were given five minutes to prepare before delivering their impromptu speeches. Czarneski pointed out how issues with the Articles of Confederation led founders to include the section to ensure states had functioning democratic republics at their helm. He explained that, although state governments take different forms,  they "all have to abide by the same basic principle…they must serve the people". Walber said the section is the "reason why our government is the way it is", and it "unified the states into the United States". He pointed out this was different than in other countries and how it has been a part of our success throughout our history.

Once the speeches were completed, the judges and tabulators withdrew to a separate room to calculate the final scores. After a few minutes, they returned, and it was announced that Barret Czarneski had been named winner and would advance to the district level of the competition on January 19 at Pulaski High School. Both students were commended for their efforts and their willingness to participate.