By Gary Cooper
The 2015 Middlesex County American Legion Oratorical Contest finals were held Saturday, Jan. 31, at American Legion Post 87, Woodbridge. Each contestant delivered a prepared oration about some phase of the Constitution of the United States, as well as an oration on a randomly assigned constitutional topic.
Rishab Bhandari, sponsored by Lt. John Farnkopf American Legion Post 401, South Brunswick, a 10th grade student at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School, was the county winner. Placing second was Nicholas Tharney, an 11th grade student at Monroe Township High School, sponsored by American Legion Post 522, Monroe. Bhandari will now compete in the regional contest on March 28 in Woodbridge.
The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of all high school students. Objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, thinking and speaking clearly, and preparation for accepting the duties and responsibilities of American citizenship. Students begin competition at the Post level and progress through County, District, Regional and State competitions.
