From left are Ken Pulchlopek
Jay Vaingankar, a senior grade student at Hightstown High School, was the district won the 2016 Third District American Legion High School Oratorical Contest Feb. 27 at the Municipal Building in Woodbridge.
Four students, two juniors and two seniors, delivered a prepared oration about some phase of the Constitution of the United States, as well as an oration on a randomly assigned constitutional topic. The district covers Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset and Hunterdon counties.
Mr. Vaingankar, sponsored by Post 148, Hightstown, will now compete in the state finals at the Trenton War Memorial on March 19. He was a 2015 graduate of America Legion Jersey Boys State.
The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution on the part of all high school students. Objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, thinking and speaking clearly, and preparation for accepting the duties and responsibilities of American citizenship.
Students begin competition at the Post level and progress through county, district, regional and state competitions.
