Local student places first in patriotic speech contest

Weiser High School junior Ashlyn Walker demonstrated her impressive writing and presentation skills as she placed first in the district competition for the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Patriotic speech contest, and fourth at the state level.
 Annually, participants receive a theme with which to base an essay. The essay must be long enough for participants to record themselves reading it aloud within three to five minutes, with the recording then submitted to judges. Participants are scored on both context and quality of the paper, along with how well the essay was read and presented.
 This year’s essay topic was described as, “is this the country our founders envisioned?”
 Walker wrote that she both agreed and disagreed that modern America is the country the founders envisioned. Giving examples on both sides, she wrote why she believed the country to be as the founders intended, along with downsides and problems the United States has faced in the world.
 The essay included controversies with explanations on both sides. However, the paper outlined that Walker believes that because the American people still have and believe in the same freedoms the founders wished to be upheld, the country is what the revolutionaries had envisioned for the future.
 “I love sharing my beliefs and options, so participating in these essay competitions is a great way to reach people and achieve that,” Walker said.
 Since beginning her journey with the writing competition in the eighth grade, where she claimed the district title and placed second at state, Walker said she has always done very well with the VFW Patriotic speech contest.
 She continued to participate every year since, placing second at districts both her ninth and tenth grade years before claiming the title once again in 2020 and additionally performing well at the state level when placing fourth.
 The style of competition requires the participants possess skills both as accomplished writers and confident speakers, two attributes Walker continues to demonstrate as her strong suit.  
 For placing in districts, Walker is invited to attend a breakfast banquet where she will be able to again present her essay and receive recognition.
 When placing second in the statewide competition in the eighth grade, Walker said she was able to attend a banquet in Boise, giving her the opportunity to meet many veterans and present her speech, which she greatly enjoyed. COVID-19 restrictions have restricted banquets to be held via zoom instead of in-person.
 “It’s fun to see the pride the veterans have for their country. They also spoke on topics I do not get to hear much in school,” Walker said.
 Different this year, meetings and banquets will instead be held through zoom to adhere to social distancing requirements. Walker said she attended a zoom meeting Jan. 9 where statewide results were announced. Walker said she plans on participating in this competition again next year, as it is fun and something not many people do.
 

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18 E. Idaho St.
Weiser, ID 83672
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FAX: (208) 549-1718
 

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