A Fayetteville high school student is advancing in the Alpharetta American Legion’s annual Oratorical Contest.

Jacob Dodson, who is home schooled, captured first place with his speech entitled “Education and Responsibility.” He now moves on to the Legion’s 9th District Contest. That winner can then compete in the area, state and ultimately a national competition against high school orators from across the nation. In addition to a speech prepared by each student, they must also speak on a constitutional topic assigned to them the day of the competition.

Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

Students finishing in top three positions at each level earn cash prizes and those who move to the national contest have an opportunity to earn an $18,000 scholarship.

The Chairman of Alpharetta American Legion Post 201’s Oratorical Contest Committee Ed Holben congratulated Jacob Dodson on his first place finish and saluted all four contestants for excellent preparation and presentation of their constitutional speeches. “I am impressed with the intelligence, maturity and poise displayed by these four young adults. They clearly represent the best of America’s youth.”