Posted on February 13, 2024
Rutigliano & Hwang Serves as Judges at CT American Legion District 3 Oratory Contest
FAIRFIELD- State Representative David Rutigliano (123rd District), State Senator Tony Hwang (28th District) along with other selected state officials attended the American Legion Connecticut District 3 (encompassing all the American Legion Post Fairfield County) Oratorical Contest at the Fairfield Public Library to witness the knowledgeable speeches and advocacy skills of youth from Fairfield County on the role and impact of the United States Constitution. The contest, which is hosted annually by the CT American Legion, consists of a prepared oration and an assigned topic with specific time constraints. Objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights, and privileges of American citizenship under the US Constitution.
“I was very impressed and proud listening to these exceptionally well-informed students articulate their persuasive fact-based arguments,” said Rep. Rutigliano. “These students could very well be future leaders on our state or nation.”
“It is encouraging to see these student scholars’ passion and zeal for developing their persuasive oratory skills,” said Senator Hwang. “It is fitting that this oratorical competition was conducted so close to Lincoln’s birthday, a great orator himself. As these students develop their public speaking skills, they become better prepared to become community leaders and advocate for their fellow citizens in the future. We should always seek to create opportunities such as this one to inspire an interest in advocacy and civics.”
“This competition teaches young people the consequential impact of civics and our constitution. It prepares them to speak before a group as a leader. They learn leadership qualities by demonstrating their insightful knowledge of the United States Constitution. When you learn the subject matter and are able to talk about it in a setting before strangers, that is teaching you the qualities of leadership,” Stated Thomas Moore, Commander of the American Legion Department of Connecticut.
Four students participated in the event, Nicholas D’Amico of Newtown, Alexa Kwarcinski of Newtown, Alexander Beneat of Shelton, and Michael Iacovacci of Stamford. Michael was awarded first place in the contest, followed by Nicholas in second place and Alexander in third.