Thomas Bosmeniel, SHS Junior, Wins District 12 American Legion District Speech Contest
Seward High Junior, Thomas Bosmeniel of Ulysses won the District 12 American Legion Oratorical/Speech Contest on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at the Seward Civic Center at the American Legion competition. Local Post Commander, Jim Ehlers welcomed the group and led them in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States. Ken Meyer, also with the Seward Legion Post, hosted the group and assisted with arrangements. District 12 Chair of the Event is Bonnie Brewer.
Thomas wrote and presented a ten minute memorized speech on the US Constitution and then drew Amendment #16 and spoke for five minutes in an extemporaneous speech on that amendment. The title of his memorized, prepared speech was “The Constitution-a Firm Foundation!”
Volunteer judges for the event were Sergeant First Class Roberto Vega-Lincoln of the Nebraska National Guard, CU Freshman Anthony Wolter of Saginaw, Michigan and US Veteran/Legionnaire and VFW member Greg Holloway of Bee. SHS students Jayden Germer and Wyatt Schafer served as volunteer timers and score keepers.
Thomas was sponsored by the local Seward Nebraska American Legion Post-#33. His speech coach and sponsor for the contest was Clark Kolterman. Thomas won a medal, certificate and a check for $100. He will now advance to the American Legion Regional Oratorical Contest on December in Wilber.
Refreshments followed compliments of the GFWC Seward Woman’s Club.