Gatlinburg Student Wins Prestigious American Legion Oratorical Competition

In an impressive display of oratory skills, a senior from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, triumphed at the 86th Annual American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, also known as the Constitutional Speech Contest. Gina Raj Harjani emerged victorious, securing a $25,000 college scholarship along with the title of national champion. This achievement caps off a weekend full of intense competition against some of the brightest young speakers in the country.

Harjani was one of 50 champions representing various states and departments, showcasing her talent in front of a live audience and judges. To claim the top spot, she successfully navigated through three challenging rounds of competition. Sponsored by American Legion Post 202 in Gatlinburg, Harjani's journey to victory resonates not just with personal achievement but also with the legacy of the organization, which aims to cultivate public speaking skills and a deeper understanding of the U.S. Constitution among students.

Her winning oration, aptly titled “The Constitution in the Digital Age,” addressed contemporary issues surrounding freedom of speech and the impact of modern-day technology on civil liberties. In her speech, Harjani poignantly remarked that while the Constitution protects social media postings, the unseen algorithms behind these platforms ultimately determine whose voices are heard. She stated, _“The founders may not have foreseen the Internet, but they understood a universal truth: threats to liberty remain constant, even as their forms evolve.”_

This insightful reflection not only showcases the nuances of constitutional rights in today's digital landscape but also highlights Harjani's ability to connect historical principles with modern realities. As a participant in the contest, orators deliver both a prepared oration lasting 8 to 10 minutes and a randomly assigned 3 to 5-minute speech on a constitutional topic, all without the aid of notes. This rigorous exercise has honed their public speaking and critical thinking skills, preparing them for future endeavors.

Following Harjani in the competition were Mary Payton Crosby, a junior from Burlington, Washington, who secured second place with a scholarship of $22,500, and Elena May Andrews, a senior from Beresford, South Dakota, who earned $20,000 as third-place winner. The financial support provided through these scholarships reflects the American Legion’s commitment to fostering educational growth and public speaking talent among youths in the country.

The American Legion is the largest veterans' organization in the United States, with over 1.5 million members nationwide who actively promote programs such as these to empower youth across America. They awarded more than $8 million in scholarships at various levels in 2024 alone.

Gina Raj Harjani’s victory not only marks a personal milestone but also signifies the importance of youth engagement in constitutional discussions and the shaping of their futures through public speaking. As young leaders like Harjani take the stage, they carry forward a legacy of advocacy for liberty and civic education, reminding us all that the Constitution is truly a living document guiding us through times of change.

For media inquiries, please contact John Raughter at (317) 630-1350 or via email at [email protected].