Academy junior Nadia Busekrus won $500 in the American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest sponsored by the Department of Hawaii’s American Legion and based on the United States Constitution.
The American Legion is a social organization that aids veterans in the United States armed forces. Founded in Sept. 1919 by veterans returning from Europe after World War I, the legion was later chartered as an official American patriotic society in Title 36 of the United States Code. The headquarters of the American Legion is in Indianapolis, Ind. It has more than 2.4 million members with 14,000 branches worldwide and offices in the District of Columbia.
Not only active in organizing events and activities involving and honoring war veterans, the American Legion is also active in issue-oriented U.S. politics. For example, the American Legion champions support for veteran benefits such as pensions and the Veteran Affairs’ hospital system
According to americanlegion.org, “the purpose of The American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge of and appreciation for the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship.”
The state contest took place on Feb. 18 at the Pagoda Hotel. Finalists in the contest earned cash awards.
High school students were required to create an original eight-minute speech.
“For the contest, I had to write a speech and then deliver it to an audience. I was judged on content and delivery and the theme was the constitution. We all had to do a prepared original speech and then a three to five minute impromptu,” said Busekrus. “I received the money at a brief ceremony after all the speeches had been given. We had a break in between and I was able to meet and get input from some of the Legion members.”
Jenni Le • Apr 2, 2013 at 11:49 am
I think this was a very interesting article! I think it is important to involve our students today with the importance of our history! It was a great opportunity to involve the student into the deeper history of the Constitution. I’m glad Nadia got the chance to win! Congrats to you Nadia!
Angelica Castro • Mar 25, 2013 at 1:38 pm
I found this very interesting! This organization gives a chance for high school students an opportunity to understand more about the United States constitution. I’m so proud of her! Good job Nadia!
Pakalana Kam • Mar 25, 2013 at 8:16 am
I found this article to be very interesting! The organization gives students an opportunity to understand and appreciate a deeper knowledge of and appreciation for the Constitution of the United States . It gives students the chance to make their thoughts and voice heard through an oral presentation. Congratulations Nadia!
Ashley Acoba gr.7 • Mar 22, 2013 at 1:57 pm
I am really proud of her because she is from our school and won second place in a national contest which have so many other people competing against her.
Anonymous • Mar 22, 2013 at 1:48 pm
congrats on the big win nadia!!!! i can already tell you have a bright future ahead of you !
Carlee Matsunaga • Mar 22, 2013 at 11:46 am
I really enjoyed this article! It was interesting reading about a student who exemplified amazing work and got a reward for it. Congratulations to Nadia Busekrus!
Jackie • Mar 22, 2013 at 10:44 am
This article just goes to show where being smart can take you and how we all should be like her. She is a great example that we should follow.
Lei Ngoap • Mar 22, 2013 at 9:21 am
Congratulations Nadia! Keep up the good work! I’m sorted of you!
Hallie H. Pound • Mar 22, 2013 at 8:25 am
Congrats Nadia on your accomplishment!!!
Anonymous • Mar 21, 2013 at 9:28 am
Yay! Congratulations, Nadia! Keep up the great work!
Anonymous • Mar 21, 2013 at 9:27 am
YAY! Congratulations, Nadia! Keep up the good work!
Anonymous • Mar 21, 2013 at 9:25 am
Yay! Congrats Nadia
Megan Wellman • Mar 21, 2013 at 9:21 am
I found this article very interesting. Congratulations to Nadia Busekrus on winning second place in the contest!
Lydia McShane • Mar 21, 2013 at 9:18 am
I really enjoyed this article! I love how Nadia is so into something like this and I’m glad that she gets rewarded for what she does because there’s no doubt in my mind that her speech was amazing!