Kate Li of Kennedy Junior High School placed first in the contest which was held at Legion Hall, 10W Chicago Ave, on April 8. Sanath Dachepalli of Gregory Middle School was second, his twin brother, Vishno Dachepalli placed third and Maya Osorio of Kennedy was 4th.
Li and Dachepalli (Sanath) moved on to the county/district contest at Cantigny.
The contests are intended to develop a deeper knowledge of the United States Constitution while furthering the students research, writing, and public speaking skills. Each student speaks for four to six minutes on a phase of the Constitution they have chosen. The Naperville contest is open to 7th and 8th grade students in the general Naperville area.
The contest is a precursor to the American Legion’s High School Constitutional Oratorical Contest. Six winners of the Naperville High School contest since 2005 have gone on to win the State of IL contest. Two reached the finals in the National contest in Indianapolis, placing 2nd and 3rd. The state and national contests combined provide over $150,000 in scholarship awards to participants.
The American Legion is the Nation’s largest veteran’s organization. All activities focus around Four Pillars of Service: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation – National Security – Americanism – Children and Youth.
Scholarships, too
In addition, this spring the American Legion Post 43 awarded $1500 Scholarships to Sarah Wheeler and Marina Pascual, both of Waubonsie Valley High School. Both girls attended American Legion Girls State in June 2016.