CLARKS SUMMIT, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — An Abington Heights High School student earned national recognition this weekend after placing third in the American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest.
Judah Donnelly, a senior from Clarks Summit, finished third in the nationwide constitutional speech competition, earning a $20,000 college scholarship.
The contest brought together top student speakers from across the country for the 87th annual American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Program, often referred to as “A Constitutional Speech Contest.”
Competitors delivered both a prepared speech and an impromptu presentation on constitutional topics, all without notes and in front of a panel of judges and live audience.
The event is designed to strengthen public speaking skills while encouraging students to study the U.S. Constitution and the responsibilities of citizenship.
Donnelly advanced through multiple rounds of competition to reach the national stage, competing against state champions from across the country.
The national title and top scholarship went to Juliet Hetzel of Colorado Springs, Colorado, while Wendy Gluski of Scottsdale, Arizona, finished second.
The American Legion says it awarded more than $8 million in scholarships nationwide this year through various youth programs.