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Local student places second in American Legion oratorical contest

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Staff report
in ,
Jeff Joyner, Alex Hutchinson and Joseph Fitzgerald. Courtesy photo by Adjutant Robert Steele, American Legion Post 147 Rockingham-East Rockingham

Jeff Joyner, Alex Hutchinson and Joseph Fitzgerald.

Courtesy photo by Adjutant Robert Steele, American Legion Post 147 Rockingham-East Rockingham

Commander Carlton Hawkins with Comrade Reid Webb, recognizing Webb for 50 years of membership with the American Legion. Courtesy photo by Adjutant Robert Steele, American Legion Post 147 Rockingham-East Rockingham

Commander Carlton Hawkins with Comrade Reid Webb, recognizing Webb for 50 years of membership with the American Legion.

Courtesy photo by Adjutant Robert Steele, American Legion Post 147 Rockingham-East Rockingham

Courtesy photo by Adjutant Robert Steele, American Legion Post 147 Rockingham-East Rockingham

Courtesy photo by Adjutant Robert Steele, American Legion Post 147 Rockingham-East Rockingham

Cadet Ianna S. Graham, RSHS Senior, competed in The American Legion Oratorical Speech Scholarship Program with Ellerbe Post 73 in January 2026. She earned the right to also compete at the District level in early February 2026. For her outstanding performance, she earned a college scholarship of $500.00 to be used at the college of her choice. Pictured above is Retired Air Force LTC Maxine Mills, Post 73 Parliamentarian, and Ret Army Captain JoAnn A. Blyther, Post 73 Commander. The Post contest was held at Fletcher Chapel Church in Hoffman, NC. Pictured below is Cadet Graham and other contestants from across District 16. Courtesy photos by Ellerbe Post 73 Post Commander JoAnn Blyther

Cadet Ianna S. Graham, RSHS Senior, competed in The American Legion Oratorical Speech Scholarship Program with Ellerbe Post 73 in January 2026. She earned the right to also compete at the District level in early February 2026. For her outstanding performance, she earned a college scholarship of $500.00 to be used at the college of her choice. Pictured above is Retired Air Force LTC Maxine Mills, Post 73 Parliamentarian, and Ret Army Captain JoAnn A. Blyther, Post 73 Commander. The Post contest was held at Fletcher Chapel Church in Hoffman, NC. Pictured below is Cadet Graham and other contestants from across District 16.

Courtesy photos by Ellerbe Post 73 Post Commander JoAnn Blyther

ROCKINGHAM — Alex Hutchinson, a Richmond County student, finished second in the North Carolina 4th Division American Legion Oratorical Contest.

“We extend our congratulations on your commendable second-place finish at The North Carolina 4th Division Contest,” read a post on social media by American Legion Post 147 Rockingham-East Rockingham. “We also thank you for representing American Legion Post 147 Rockingham-East Rockingham.”

On behalf of Commander Carlton Hawkins, officers and members, the post also expressed appreciation to Hutchinson and his family for their dedication and preparation for this year’s American Legion Oratorical contests.

“Additionally, we are grateful to Commander Hawkins, Jeff Joyner, and Joseph Fitzgerald for their assistance, knowledge, guidance, and for accompanying Alex during travel. John Hutchinson and family, you have a remarkably talented young man,” concluded the post.

Hutchinson previously took first place at the District 16 Oratorical Contest on Feb. 8.

Students competing in the American Legion Oratorical Contest deliver prepared speeches focused on the U.S. Constitution and its principles. Contestants advance through multiple levels of competition beginning at the local American Legion post level before moving on to district, division and state contests.

The American Legion’s National Oratorical Contest has been held annually since 1938 and encourages high school students to develop a deeper understanding of the constitution while strengthening their public speaking and leadership skills. Thousands of students from across the country participate in the program each year, competing for scholarships and the opportunity to advance to the national finals.

The American Legion itself was founded in 1919 by World War I veterans and remains one of the nation’s largest veterans organizations. In addition to supporting veterans and their families, the organization sponsors several youth programs focused on citizenship, leadership and education.

Ianna S. Graham, a senior at Richmond Senior High School, also competed in the American Legion Oratorical Speech Scholarship Program with Ellerbe Post 73 in January 2026. She later competed at the District 16 Oratorical Contest and placed fifth. For her performance, she earned a $500 college scholarship to be used at the college of her choice.

In addition, American Legion Post 147 Rockingham-East Rockingham recognized Comrade Reid Webb for 50 years of membership with the American Legion.

“The certificate, bearing the signature of National Headquarters Commander Dan K. Wiley, serves as a tribute to Reid’s enduring commitment. Reid, a retired U.S. Army veteran, holds a significant position with American Legion Post 147 in Rockingham-East Rockingham,” said Adjutant Robert Steele.