Washington County Early College High School student Josiah Price placed first in the American Legion Shaw-May Post 38 Fifth Annual High School Oratorical Scholarship Program on Saturday.  

Three contestants delivered two speeches each on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution including ninth-grader Christopher Creecy and tenth-grader Jakaelyn Vizcarrando, both from Northampton County Early College High School.  

Price’s speech was titled The Importance of the Second Amendment.  

Each contestant received a certificate of distinction, a medal, a Constitution Handbook, mini U.S. flag, and cash prize in the amounts of $25, $50, and $100.  

Gallery photos: 1 — Post Commander Kevin Hanretta presents Price with his first-place medal and $100 cash prize. 2 — Hanretta, Jakaelyn Vizcarrando, Creecy, Price, and Oratorical Chairman David Sammons. 3 — Hanretta presents certificates of appreciation to volunteer judges Mack, Hale and Stephenson with Sammons.

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Volunteer judges came from the local community and included Kim Mack — NC-01 district director for Congressman Don Davis; Tiffany Hale — Weldon City School Board — and Dr. Mary Stephenson — Halifax Community College 2+2 Teacher Preparation Partnership Program. 

Each volunteer judge was presented with a certificate of appreciation for lending their time and expertise to the contest.  

Price will advance to the district/division-level competition with hopes to compete at the state level on March 4 in Chapel Hill.