Three area students were named winners Sunday, Jan. 15 following the American Legion Zone 3 Oratorical Contest held in Sandwich.

The contest was overseen by Bob Burke of Middleboro, District 10 Vice Commander.

Winning speeches were given by Anna Kelly from Scituate, first place; Maggie Donovan from Assonet, second place, and Jane Ryan from Scituate, third place.

Area students were invited to participate. Each participating student gave two orations. 

The subject must be on some aspect of the Constitution of the United States, with emphasis on the attendant duties and obligations of a citizen to the government. 

The subject was chosen by the student. The oration lasted between eight and 10 minutes.

The second oration is an assigned topic that must not take less than three minutes or more than five minutes for delivery. The purpose of the assigned topic is to test the speaker’s knowledge of the subject, the extent of their research, and the ability to discuss the topic as related to the basic principles of government under the Constitution.

Kelly and Donovan have been invited to compete in the department contest to be held on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Bedford Post. Ryan, the third place winner, will substitute if either student is unable to attend.