Ronan student wins district contest
courtesy photo
Competitors in the American Legion’s oratorical district-level contest include, from left, first-place winner Ryan Dresen, second-place winner Sophia Shwarchuk, Josephine Jolly and Colin Norick.
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
POLSON — Ryan Dresen, a senior at Ronan High School, took first place at the American Legion District 4 High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest on Sunday.
For winning, Dresen earned a $250 scholarship and a trip to the state-level competition in Belgrade on Saturday, Feb. 28.
The winner of the state competition receives a trip to Indianapolis for the National competition in April, where he or she could earn a minimum of a $1,500 scholarship and as much as $18,000.
To advance to Sunday’s competition, Dresen previously won the post level award from Ronan’s Post 138, which earned him a Ryan a $75 scholarship, a certificate, and a Gold Patrick Henry Oratory Medal.
Dresen competed against Sophia Shwarchuk of Flathead High School, who earned second place. Other competitors included Josephine Jolly of Glacier High School and Colin Norick of Columbia Falls High School.
Students competing in the Oratorical Contest must write and memorize an 8-10 minute speech about the duties of American Citizens under the U.S. Constitution. They must also prepare for an assigned topic speech in which they are given one of four potential topics and five minutes to prepare for a 3-5 minute speech.
