WISSAHICKON — Jayex Panakkal, a 9th-grade student at Wissahickon High School, won the American Legion Pennsylvania Eastern Oratorical Contest, earning top honors for exceptional constitutional knowledge and outstanding public‑speaking ability, according to a press release.
Representing Doylestown Post 210, Jayex delivered a powerful, well‑researched speech titled “Constitutional Roles and Responsibilities,” impressing judges with clarity, poise, and a deep understanding of civic responsibility. The American Legion’s Oratorical Contest is known for its rigorous standards, challenging students to demonstrate scholarship, leadership, and a strong command of constitutional principles, the release stated.
With this achievement, Jayex will advance to the American Legion State Oratorical Competition on March 14, 2026, representing Eastern Pennsylvania against the winners from Central and Western Pennsylvania. The winner of the state competition will receive $7,500, the first runner-up $5,000, and the second runner-up $4,000. The winner will qualify for the National Competition, where the overall national contest winner gets a $25,000 scholarship. Second place receives $22,500, and third place receives $20,000.