Congratulations to Maggie Walker’s Quinn Green (’21-Henrico). This past Friday at the American Legion Department of Virginia’s Spring Conference, Mr. Quinn won the Department of Virginia High School Oratorical Contest. In order to reach the state finals, Mr. Quinn had to win competitions at the local (Post), district and regional levels. To date, he has won nearly $4,000 in scholarships and as a result of his victory Friday night, he is receiving an all-expense-paid trip to Indianapolis, Indiana the weekend of April 17-19, 2020 where he will represent Virginia against 52 other competitors representing the other 49 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territorial possessions for a top prize of $20,000.
In addition, Quinn was selected and will attending the American Legion Boys State of Virginia program in June at Radford University as well as the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program.
The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. Competitors must deliver an 8-10 minute prepared oration on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government without benefits of notes, podium, props or voice amplification. After completing their prepared speeches competitors are then given just five minutes to prepare a three-to five-minute speech on one of four-randomly selected amendments to the U.S. Constitution. This year’s draw consisted of the XII, XXIV, XVII and XX Amendments. (Additional information on the competition is available on the American Legion website https://www.legion.org/oratorical)
As Commander of Glen Allen Post 244, we are immensely proud of Mr. Green’s hard work and dedication to the competition. We are excited to have him representing our Post and Commonwealth of Virginia in Indianapolis next month, but I wanted to email you this news because Quinn’s accomplishments reflect great credit not just on himself, Glen Allen Post 244 and the American Legion Department of Virginia, but also on Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies. He is an outstanding representative of the school, the faculty, and student body and I know you are equally proud of his accomplishments.
At an appropriate time later this Spring, the Legion would like to recognize Mr. Green at a school assembly or awards ceremony to further highlight his accomplishments and our tremendous pride in his achievements. Thank you for your support of Mr. Green and all you do at Maggie Walker to promote a more informed citizenry!
Scott Maddrea
Commander, Glen Allen Post 244
Second Vice Commander, 11th District
American Legion Department of Virginia
