Gulf High School freshman Mariya Mendel has won the American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest at the district level, consisting of western Pasco and Pinellas counties. She advances to the Central Area Level contest, scheduled for Sat., Feb. 9, at Winter Haven Florida American Legion Post 8.
Mariya is a pre-IB student at Gulf.
Earlier, on Jan. 5., she was the winner at the post level, and is pictured below at American Legion Paradise Post 79, where she was presented a Certificate of Participation and a $200 prize check. Pictured are, left to right, Lonny Hyde, Post 79 Commander; Peter Torino, American Legion 16th District Oratorical Chairman; Mariya; and Bill Lewis, Post 79’s Oratorical Chairman.
The purpose of the American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a better understanding and appreciation of the Constitution of the United State on the part of high school students.
