Long Trail School Students Sweep Oratorical Competition

Long TrailCOURTESY
DORSET— Long Trail School ninth graders Avery Carter, Isabel Blankenbaker, and Ben Park recently attained the top three places in the local American Legion post’s oratorical competitions. The contest develops deeper knowledge and appreciation for the US Constitution among high school students. On February 24, these three students participated in the district competition for the American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest. Ben received third place and Isabel was awarded second place. As first place recipient, Avery will represent the district at the Vermont Department Contest in White River Junction on March 10. The state winner will advance to the national competition, where generous college scholarships are awarded. James Gallen, who teaches English at Long Trail and who advised these students in their preparation, noted, “The students embraced preparing for a challenging competition that tested their skills in research, writing, and public speaking; their dedication to civic engagement and historical knowledge was reaffirming to my confidence in this country’s bright future.”