Jay Swaney of Powell won the American Legion’s statewide oratorical contest last week, earning the right to compete at the national level.

At the March 1 event in Douglas, Swaney delivered an eight- to 10-minute prepared speech, titled “The Rights of the People,” which looked at the progression of Americans’ constitutional rights through history. He then was called upon to give a three- to five-minute speech on a constitutional amendment selected at the competition. After hearing from the field, judges picked Swaney as the best orator.

With his state victory, Swaney will advance to the Legion’s 2020 National Finals, scheduled for April 17-19 in Indianapolis.

Swaney had won American Legion Hughes-Pittinger Post 26’s contest in Powell in December and later prevailed at the district level to make the state competition in Douglas.

Swaney has already locked in nearly $3,000 in scholarships to put toward his college education, and will have the opportunity to compete for more at nationals — including a $20,000 first-place prize.

In recognizing Swaney’s victory last week, Hughes-Pittinger Post 26 Commander Russ Stafford called it “awesome” that a young person from Powell will be representing the state of Wyoming in the nationwide contest.

“We think he’ll do good and he’ll get us a win for Wyoming this year,” Stafford said, good-naturedly turning up the pressure.

“I’ll do my best,” Swaney pledged.

In the opening quarterfinal round on April 18, Swaney will be pitted against fellow state contest winners from New Hampshire, Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Montana.

The American Legion contest is intended to develop a deeper knowledge of and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Past competitors include former presidential candidate Alan Keyes, national television commentator and talk radio host Lou Dobbs and Vice President Mike Pence.

—By CJ Baker