Kendall student wins county and district oratorical contests

Provided photos: pictured from left include Inez Stangler of Kendall, Zackary Baron of Albion, and Hannah Brundage of Kendall.

KENDALL – Hannah Brundage, a Kendall High School senior, earned first place in the American Legion’s Oratorical Competition at the 8th District Level, which was hosted in Kenmore on Sunday.

She will be moving on to the next level of the competition on Mt. Morris on Feb. 2. Zackary Baron of Albion was second, and Inez Stangler of Kendall was third. Brundage and Baron will advance to the zone level competition on Feb. 2 in Mount Morris.

The purpose of the oratorical contest is to provide high school students 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, said Katie Driesel, a Kendall social studies teacher.

“It takes a lot of courage to stand in front of people to deliver a speech on the Constitution with the grace and eloquence,” Driesel said.

Kendall hosted the county competition on Dec. 21 with Medina, Albion and Kendall students delivered an 8 to 10 minute speech on the Constitution. Throughout the competition students researched, wrote, and practiced their speeches. At the county level competition, Brundage also was first, with Baron in second, and Stangler in third. Abigayle Wright of Medina also competed.

At the district competition on Sunday in Kenmore, the students needed to prepare their oration and also give a short speech on a chosen amendment.

This photo shows the students at the county oratorical contest with members of the American Legion and some of the judges.