February 2025 ￨ American Legion, Peter J Courcy Post 178

Post 178 Orator Earns Department of Texas First Runner-Up Honors

by larryw | Feb 21, 2025 | Oratorical

Orators included (L – R) Scarlett Sweckard, 1^st Division, Daniel Ruppawalla, 2^nd Division, Sophia Logsdon, 3rd Division, and Evelyn Fisher, 4^th Division.

Ms. Scarlett Rae Sweckard, a junior at Frisco ISD Reedy High School, was awarded first runner-up honors at the Department of Texas Constitutional Speech Contest on Saturday, February 17, 2025, in Lubbock, TX.

Scarlett had previously successfully competed in the American Legion Peter J Courcy Post 178, the 4^th District, and 1^st Division contests. As runner-up. She received a $1,500 college scholarship. In total, she accumulated $6,000 in scholarships to be used at the college of her choice. As runner-up, she will also advance to the national contest if the winner, Evelyn Fisher, 4^th Division, Post 575, should be unable to compete.

The American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Program began in 1935 and encourages high school students to study the U.S. Constitution and improve their public speaking skills. Contests are held annually for high school students to encourage and develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution.

Post 178 members join the Frisco ISD and the broader Frisco community in expressing its pride in her accomplishments and extending best wishes for her continued success.

Since Post 178 was formed in 2014, its post contest has advanced three contestants to the State contest.

Post 178 and 4th District Orator Wins 1st Division Constitutional Speech Contest

by larryw | Feb 4, 2025 | Oratorical, Press Release

Ms. Scarlett Rae Sweckard, winner of the 1^st Division Constitutional Speech Contest, holds a check representing her scholarship winnings.

On February 1, 2025, Scarlett Rae Sweckard, a junior at Frisco ISD Reedy High School, was announced the winner of the 1st Division Constitutional Speech Contest in Denton, TX. Scarlett had previously successfully competed in the American Legion Peter J Courcy Post 178 and the 4^th District contests and now advances to the State competition in Lubbock, TX on February 17, 2025.

The American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Program began in 1935 and encourages high school students to study the U.S. Constitution and improve their public speaking skills. Contests are held annually for area high school students to encourage and develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution. Her extraordinary speaking style and skills as well as her in-depth demonstrated knowledge of the US Constitution resulted in her first-place finish.

For winning the 1^st Division contest, Ms. Sweckard won $3,500 scholarship funds. To date she has accumulated more than $4,500 in scholarship funds to be used at the college of her choice.

Post 178 members join the Frisco ISD and the broader Frisco community in expressing its pride in her accomplishments and best wishes for continued success at the State contest and beyond.

Since Post 178 was formed in 2014, its post contest has advanced three contestants to the State contest.