Students shine in debate, oratorical contests
<p>Jason Whitehead, a home-school junior, finished second in a state American Legion oratorical contest. From left are: Steve Hansen, Area A vice commander; Whitehead; and Margaret Orgram, oratorical contest chairwoman.</p>
<p>Dillon Johnson, right, a Gonzaga University junior from Coeur d'Alene, will compete with teammate Jenna Bauer, from Des Moines, Iowa, in the National Debate Tournament.</p>
Two local students have proven they are powerful at the podium.
Jason Whitehead, a home-school junior, finished second at the American Legion's recent Department of Idaho Oratorical Contest in Mountain Home.
The finish came after Whitehead won the Post-level and Area A contests. High school students under age 20 are eligible to compete in the contests.
The contests exist to develop deeper knowledge of and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students.
Meanwhile, Dillon Johnson, a Gonzaga University junior from Coeur d'Alene, will compete with teammate Jenna Bauer, from Des Moines, Iowa, in the National Debate Tournament at State University of New York from March 31 to April 4.
Only 78 teams from across the nation are invited to the tournament. This marks the 21st time in the past 22 years that a Gonzaga team has qualified for the event.