Valentine Homeschooler Wins State Oratorical Contest

News Release

Lincoln (January 27, 2025) – Ella Brenneman, a homeschool student from Valentine, earned first place at the 86th annual American Legion Oratorical Contest held on January 17th in Norfolk, Nebraska. She was awarded a check from the Nebraska American Legion for $1,500.

The competition includes an eight to ten-minute prepared orientation on an aspect of the Constitution by each competitor and then a three to five-minute speech on an assigned article of the Constitution.

Frank Kovacs, Minden High School, placed second and was awarded $1,000; Hannah Taylor, Omaha Marian High School, placed third and was awarded $800; and Cara Thomas, Aurora High School, placed fourth and was awarded $500.

Brenneman will now compete in Hillsdale, Michigan at the National Oratorical Finals in May against state champions from across the United States. The first day of competition will narrow the field of participants down to the “Final Three” who will square off against each other the following day. The top three finalists will receive scholarships of $25,000, $22,500, and $20,000 from The American Legion.

The American Legion is dedicated to the motto of “Veterans Strengthening America.” Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans. Legionnaires in more than 12,500 posts across the nation and regions overseas serve their communities with a devotion to mutual helpfulness.