| | American Legion Post 616 representative and Richfield Springs resident Molly Wiswell took second place in the statewide American Legion 74th annual oratorical competition in Albany, recently. Joining her at the competition were (from left) Doug Truex, Otsego County commander and Post 616 officer; Paul Zesewitz, third vice-commander; Wiswell; Charlie West, Post 616 commander; Leo Mackin, oratorical chairman; Charles Osterhoudt, zone chairman; and David Bennett, financial officer. (Photo submitted) | |
For the first time in 71 years, the American Legion Post 616 was represented at a statewide oratorical competition, thanks to the efforts of 17-year-old Molly Wiswell, of Richfield Springs, who took second place. “She only lost by one point. It was so close. We’re so very proud of her,” said post commander Charlie West. This is the second year in a row Wiswell, one of three daughters born to Peter and Alicia Wiswell, entered the competition, which was the 74th annual oratorical competition sponsored by the American Legion. Competitors have the opportunity to win scholarships for college. According to the oratorical chairman for Post 616, Leo Mackin, Wiswell had to write and recite a speech on the U.S. Constitution, which was how she advanced to the state level. Set to graduate this year, Wiswell is currently being home-schooled by her mother and attends classes at Mohawk Valley Community College. She plans on majoring in “air frame and power plant mechanics,” Peter Wiswell said. “We had a dairy farm for 20 years, so she was out tinkering with stuff quite a bit when she was younger.” In addition to her prepared speech, Mackin said she had to select a topic and write about it then give a brief 3-5 minute speech. The state competition included representatives from 20 counties who were given an extra “assignment on the Constitution. They had five minutes to rehearse it, then had to come out and do a 3-5 minute speech. She chose the freedom to vote,” Mackin said. “This is the second year Molly represented us, and this is the furthest we’ve ever gone in 71 years of oratorical competition,” Mackin continued. “It’s the first time this post was ever able to go to state level. We’re so proud of her.” Screening for candidates begins in October, where applicants appear before a panel of three judges. Once someone is selected, they are sent on to the county level competition. If they take first place, the representative advances to the district competition. If they win there, they go on to the zone and if they win at the zone level, they move on to the state, Mackin explained. Wiswell’s father said she won more than $4,000 combined with all levels of competition this year. The money will be directed to the college she attends. Molly Wiswell was not available for comment prior to deadline.
|