Minden Junior Wins State Oratorical Contest
News Release
Lincoln (February 11, 2026) – Frank Kovacs, a junior from Minden, earned first place at the 87th annual American Legion Oratorical Contest held on January 17th in Norfolk, Nebraska. He was awarded a check from the Nebraska American Legion for $1,500.
The competition includes an eight to ten-minute rehearsed speech on an aspect of the Constitution by each competitor and then a three to five-minute speech on an assigned article of the Constitution.
Braydon Hoesing, Wausa High School, placed second and was awarded $1,000; Berlyn Holmes, Wisner-Pilger High School, placed third and was awarded $800; and Ella Brenneman, homeschooled, placed fourth and was awarded $500.
Kovacs will now compete at Hillsdale, Michigan at the National Oratorical Finals in May against state champions from across the United States, France, and Germany. 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.