JJ Metschke Named Runner-Up at Area C American Legion Speech Contest
Launch the media gallery 1 playerSeward High Senior, J.J. Metschke of Seward was selected First Runner-up in the Senior Level contest at the American Legion Area C Speech Contest at the Seward Civic Center at 2:00 pm on Sunday, December 06, 2020. He is the son of Amy and Jonathan Metschke of Seward. He was sponsored by the Seward American Legion Post #33. Hasitings St. Cecilia Junior, Magdalen Heckman of Grand Island, was selected the representative/winner in the Area C American Legion Oratorical Contest. She is the daughter of Eric and Jonie Heckman of Grand Island. She was sponsored by the Minden American Legion Post #94.
The students were each required to write, memorize and present a ten minute speech on the US Constitution and draw one of four amendments to address extemporaneously for three to five minutes. Magdalen’s speech was titled “The Rights of Petition and Peaceful Assembly” and J. J.’s speech was “American’s Greatest Pastime!” They drew Amendment XXII, Section 1 on the Office of the President. The other possible amendments in the draw included Article I Section 7, Article II, Section 3 and Article III, Section 1.
In the Junior/Middle School Division, Falls City Seventh Grader You-Ha Kim was selected the winner. She is the daughter of Young Je Kim and Jungsoon Ju. Molly Marroquin of Seward, a seventh grader at St. John was selected First Runner Up. She is the daughter of Jon and Tina Marroquin of Seward. In the Junior Division, each student was asked to write and present a speech relating to the US Constitution. You-Ha’s speech was titled “Article 3, Section 1 and Molly’s speech was “Judges and the US Constitution.”
Judges for the contest were Dr. Louis Reith and Bonnie Kruse of Seward, and Kathleen Wilcox of Crete. Event Chair was Bonnie Brewer –Area C Commander, of Elmwood, and the Seward American Legion Post 33 served as the host with Seward Post Commander Joe Ruzicka and Sargent of Arms/Contestant Host Ken Meyer assisting with the contest. Welcomes were presented by District Commanders Larry Borcher-District 13, David Glantz-District 12, and Don Nelson-District 10. A welcome to Seward was also offered by Seward American Legion Post 33 Commander Joe Ruzicka. Riley Nuttleman served as the official timer. Clark Kolterman served as the host/emcee for the event.
The senior division winners each received a trophy, and certificate. The winner also was presented a medal. In the junior division, the students received medals and certificates. Each of the Senior Division winners each received a $100 scholarship.
Magdalen Heckman will now represent the Area C at the State American Legion Speech Contest in Columbus in January. There are four areas in competition for the State Championships. The Junior Division winners do not go on to the State Level.