Three outstanding contestants gave their all during the Department of Iowa’s Oratorical Final held the last day of Mid-Winter. Patrick Junker was chosen as the Department’s Champion. Patrick is sponsored by Van Meter American Legion Post #403 and will represent Iowa at the national contest in Indianapolis on April 5-7, 2019. Patrick is a Junior at Van Meter High School.
The Department’s runner-up was Thomas Evans, a Senior at Kuemper Catholic High School sponsored by American Legion Post #607 in Breda. Third place went to Jessica Cline, a Freshman at Cedar Rapids Washington High School sponsored by American Legion Post #298 in Marion. The three contestants receive scholarships of $2,000, $1,500 and $1,000 respectively. Patrick will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship for his national appearance.
While at the National Contest, Patrick will compete against the Department Champions from Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Oregon and Arizona in his first quarterfinal contest. That contest will occur at 9:45 AM Eastern Standard Time on April 6, 2019. We wish Patrick the best of luck through the entire process. For more information from National, visit https://www.legion.org/oratorical.