First place contestant moves on to final competition April 9 - 11 in Indianapolis

For Immediate Release

BLOOMINGTON , Ill./EWORLDWIRE/March 10, 2010 --- An insightfully delivered narrative here, an incisive summary there - Constitutional knowledge coupled with skillful declaration by young speakers at the podium in the 73rd Annual American Legion ('http://www.illegion.org') High School Oratorical Scholarship moves the top winner into a coveted spot in the April national level competition.

Among the students who were awarded were:

. First Place (will progress to national finals), Matthew Schuhriemen (Naperville)
. Second Place, Melissa Lam (Bolingbrook)
. Third Place, Heidi Erbsen (Pearl City)
. Fourth Place, Azza Cohen (Highland Park)
. Fifth Place, Heidi Schreiber (Elk Grove Village)

Students who also received honors included:

. Paul A. Adkins (Wheeler)
. Emma Backman (Elmhurst)
. Kasey Firebaugh (Centralia)
. Michael Goldstein (Watson)
. Brandon Hank (Westmont)
. Skylar Kline (O’Fallon)
. Natalie Krajewski (Grayslake)
. Tyler Olson (Leland)
. Mike Theodore (Schaumburg)
. Raven Tillman (Chicago)

Department Commander William Flanagan commented, "This forum allowed us to recognize the singular accomplishments of our youth - an activity easily overlooked as each of us goes about our busy days. Participants' enthusiasm during the event was contagious, and the contestants are commended for their decorum and demonstrated respect for each other and the people who helped make the event happen.

"While they honored us with their speeches, we were honored to host them."

MEDIA: Photos and video footage of the event are available. To arrange for interview with finalists or for more information about the April competition, by contacting Mark Sides at 309-721-3886 or mark@marksides.com.

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CONTACT:
Mark Sides
American Legion
Department of Illinois
Headquarters PO Box 2910
Bloomington, IL 61701
PHONE. 309-721-3886
FAX. 309-796-2518
EMAIL: Mark@MarkSides.com
http://www.JointheLegion.org

SOURCE: Department of Illinois

AVAILABLE MEDIA:

: American Legion Department of Illinois (size: 0.0 kb)
Top Five (Matthew Schuhriemen, Melissa Lam, Heidi Erbsen, Azza Cohen, Heidi Schreiber)
http://www.eworldwire.com/mediauploads/american-legion-top-five.jpg

: 73rd Annual American Legion ('http://www.illegion.org') High School Oratorical (size: 0.0 kb)
Department Commander William Flanagan, Winner Matthew Schuhriemen
http://www.eworldwire.com/mediauploads/american-legion-winner.jpg