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• Sunday, March 01, 2015

  Jessica Norris Is State Oratorical Champ

  ALBANY — Jessica Norris, a home-schooled senior from Almond, NY, is The American Legion New York State oratorical champion for 2015, Oratorical Chairman Anthony Paternostro announced.

  

  Oratorical Champ Jessica Norris with Department Commander Frank Peters. Photo by Doug Malin.

  Jessica competed against four other finalists from a cross section of the state in the 78th Annual American Legion Department of New York Oratorical Contest.

  Jessica won a $6,000 scholarship and will represent New York in the National Oratorical Contest in Indianapolis, IN in April.

  She was sponsored by Alfred American Legion Post 370 (Allegany County, 8th District). The “Constitutional Speech Contest” took place Feb. 28 at Sand Creek Middle School in Colonie.

  The other finalists are:

  — Bridget Kennedy, a senior at St. Pius V School in Melville, who won a $4,000 scholarship. Bridget was sponsored by the Greenlawn Post 1244 of Suffolk County, 10th District.

  — Jasmeet Aujla, a senior at Immaculate Heart Central School in Watertown, who received a $2,500scholarship. Jasmeet was sponsored by Watertown Post 61 of Jefferson County, 5th District.

  — Ingrid Castor, a senior at Spring Valley High School, who was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. Ingrid was sponsored by Anthony Moscarella Post 199 in Monsey, Rockland County, 9th District.

  — Lauren Litz, a senior at Niskayuna High School, who won a $2,000 scholarship. Lauren was sponsored by Niskayuna Post 1092 of Schenectady County, 4th District.

  

  The finalists pose with Department Commander Frank Peters. From left: Bridget Kennedy, Ingrid Castor, Lauren Litz, Department Commander Frank Peters, Jessica Norris, and Jasmeet Aujla. Photo by Doug Malin.