Queens Teens Compete For Scholarship
The Queens County Committee of the American Legion held its annual oratorical contest for high school students on Jan. 8, at the Ruoff-Norelli Hargreaves American Legion Post 632 in Ozone Park.
Post Commander Joseph Barbarotto and Queens County Chaplain Phillip Sica, a member of American Legion Post 301 and contest chairman, welcomed the four contestants, who were required to recite their understanding of aspects in the U.S. Constitution.
Each student had to deliver their recitations between eight and 10 minutes, losing points for going over or under the alloted time.
The contestants were judged by members of the Queens County Ladies Auxiliary: Jean Tuckey of Post 104, Emma Brandt of Post 298 and Corrine Alpert, adjutant of Post 301.
Taking home first place was Nina Lukeo, a senior at Francis Lewis High School in Bayside. Another Francis Lewis student, senior Kimberly Estil, won the second place prize.
Charlson Ho, a senior at Long Island City High School inAstoria, and Benjamin You, a junior at Francis Lewis High School, finished third and fourth, respectively.
Lukeo won a $200 bond, while Estil reeived a $150 bond and Ho took home a $100 bond. Lukeo and Estil advanced to the American Legion’s district contest. If they succeed there, they will advance to the Zone, Department and National contests for a chance at winning an $18,000 scholarship.
The timekeepers for the contst were Denis McEnany of Post 1404 and George Custance, adjuant of Post 1630. The contestants’ escort was Rodney Dorcean, vice commander of Post 301.
Other American Legion officers present were Gerri Klussmann, president of the Queens County Ladies Auxiliary and member of Post 131, Richard Pearsall of Post 632, Levon Whaley, commander of Post 301 and Charles Arndt of Post 104.
