Brandon Walker, center, accepts his first-place award in the 1st Division American Legion Oratorical Contest from commander David Ferrell, left, and contest coordinator Earnestine Doubek. (CONTRIBUTED)

HAZEL GREEN – Brandon Walker, a student at Hazel Green High School, won the 1st Division American Legion Oratorical Contest on March 7.

Previously, Walker had won the Posts 201/229, Madison County and 12th District contests. He advanced to compete against winners of Divisions 2 and 3 at the Department of Alabama Oratorical Contest at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in Montgomery.

The American Legion Oratorical Contest develops deeper knowledge for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, history of American laws, clear thinking and an understanding of American citizenship.