For Immediate Release

BLOOMINGTON, Ill./EWORLDWIRE/March 8, 2011 --- Skillful young speakers took to the podium in the 74th Annual American Legion (http://www.illegion.org) High School Oratorical Scholarship on Saturday. The top winner moves onto the April national level competition.

Among the students who were awarded were:

. First Place (will progress to national finals), Athena Saldanha (Schaumburg)
. Second Place, Azza Cohen (Highland Park)
. Third Place, Anagha Sundararajan (Naperville)
. Fourth Place, Skylar Kline (O'Fallon)
. Fifth Place, Samantha Crist (Atwood)

Students who also received honors included:

. Maximilian Kwiatkowski (Roselle)
. Emily Durkin (Riverside)
. Maggie Benoit (Plano)
. Briana Bendorf (Bailerville)
. Rob Lauzen (Aurora)
. Natalie Krajewski (Grayslake)
. Jolene Toebbe (Bartonville)
. Autum Greeson (Peoria)
. Steven Hulett (Normal)
. Paul A. Adkins (Wheeler)
. Kasey Firebaugh (Centralia)
. Tyler Goeckner (Effingham)

Department Commander Richard Groharing commented, "During this event, we get to recognize the accomplishments of the young people throughout the state. As every year, the candidates participating in our forum are inspiring. I am always struck by how enthusiastic everyone is.

"We commend everyone who was involved. The speeches produced a truly memorable occasion. Our wishes for success at the national level."

MEDIA: Photos and video footage of the event are available. To arrange for interview with finalists or for more information about the April competition, by contacting Mark Sides at 309-721-3886 or mark@marksides.com.

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CONTACT:
Mark Sides
American Legion
Department of Illinois
Headquarters PO Box 2910
Bloomington, IL 61701
PHONE. 309-721-3886

SOURCE: American Legion Department of Illinois

AVAILABLE MEDIA:

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: 2011 American Legion Department of Illinois Oratorical (size: 0.4 kb)
Top Winners: Athena Saldanha (Schaumburg), Azza Cohen (Highland Park), Anagha Sundararajan (Naperville), Skylar Kline (O'Fallon) , Samantha Crist (Atwood)
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