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Andrew Kil '23 Competes in National Semifinals of American Legion Oratorical Contest

Andrew Kil '23 represented Michigan at the 2023 National Oratorical Contest April 21-23 in Indianapolis, competing in the quarterfinals and advancing to the semifinals. Earlier this year, Kil won the American Legion Department of Michigan's Oratorical Contest marking his second year in a row winning this competition.

The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. 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.

Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $203,500 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets a $25,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $22,500, and third gets $20,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $2,000 scholarship (quarterfinals). Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000 scholarship (semifinals). The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.

High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers.

Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to 10 minutes long; three- to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest.

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Robotics Selected for Indiana Robotics Invitational

The Indiana Robotics Invitational s a prestigious invitation only competition where the best teams from around the world are invited to compete over the summer on the 2023 Charged Up! competition. The Shambots made the cut of a select invite list out of over 100 team applications. Part of the team will travel to Lafayette, IN July 6-8 to compete.

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Academic Team Places 8th in Nation

Varsity Academic Team competed against 304 schools in Atlanta, GA at the NAQT High School National Championship Tournament May 26 and May 27. The Varsity A team finished the preliminary games with a 7-3 record and qualified for the double-elimination playoffs. After losing in the opening round in the playoffs, the team rallied to win five consecutive games, including a win over #6 ranked Kinkaid (TX) to take 8th in the country. The team consisted of senior captain Will Carstens, who was named one of the tournament all-stars, and sophomores Nick Murray, Jacob Barta, and Ben Yancey. 

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