Colorado Teen's Oration on Faith and Civics Wins National Contest

HILLSDALE, Mich. – May 18, 2026 – A home-schooled high school senior from Colorado Springs has claimed the top prize in one of the nation's most challenging high school speech competitions. Juliet Hetzel bested 52 other state and regional champions to win the 87th American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, earning a $25,000 college scholarship for her powerful oratory on the U.S. Constitution.

A Modern Voice on a Founding Debate

Hetzel's winning prepared oration, titled "The Role of Religion in Civic Duty," delved into one of America's most enduring constitutional discussions. She argued that the popular phrase "separation of Church and State" is often misconstrued, leading to a suppression of religious voices in the public square.

"As President George Washington warned, 'Religion and morality are the essential pillars of civil society.' But modern America has taken the term 'separation of Church and State' to mean that we need a secular public entirely devoid of one foundational pillar," Hetzel declared during her speech. "The First Amendment was never intended to be a muzzle for people of faith."

Her argument, while delivered by a young orator, taps into a centuries-old legal and philosophical debate. While Hetzel is correct that the exact phrase "separation of Church and State" does not appear in the U.S. Constitution, the principle is deeply rooted in the First Amendment's two religion clauses. The Establishment Clause prohibits the government from making any law "respecting an establishment of religion," while the Free Exercise Clause protects citizens' rights to practice their religion as they choose.

The now-famous phrase was coined by President Thomas Jefferson in an 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptists, in which he described the First Amendment as building a "wall of separation between church and state." This concept was further reinforced by James Madison, a primary architect of the Constitution, who argued against state-funded religion. The Supreme Court first cemented this principle into constitutional law in the 1947 case Everson v. Board of Education, explicitly invoking Jefferson's "wall of separation." Later, the 1971 Lemon v. Kurtzman case established a three-part test to determine if a law violates the Establishment Clause. By tackling this complex topic, Hetzel demonstrated the profound constitutional literacy the contest aims to foster.

The Grueling Path to a National Title

Hetzel's victory was the culmination of an intense, multi-stage competition held at Hillsdale College. She began as one of 53 champions representing American Legion departments across the country and the world. To reach the finals, she navigated three rounds of competition that test both preparation and quick thinking.

Each round requires contestants to deliver two speeches. The first is a rehearsed 8- to 10-minute oration on some aspect of the Constitution, focusing on a citizen's duties and obligations. The second, and arguably more difficult, part is a 3- to 5-minute speech on a randomly assigned constitutional topic, delivered with only minutes of preparation. Critically, both speeches must be delivered from memory, without the aid of any notes, in front of a panel of judges and a live audience. This format is designed to reward not just rote memorization but a deep, functional understanding of constitutional principles.

Hetzel, who was sponsored by American Legion Post 209 in Colorado Springs, proved her mastery in both formats. Joining her in the winner's circle were Wendy Gluski, a 12th-grade student from Scottsdale, Arizona, who earned a $22,500 scholarship for her second-place finish, and Judah Donnelly, a senior from Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, who took home a $20,000 scholarship for third place.

More Than a Contest: A Legacy of Leadership

Since its inception in 1938, The American Legion's Oratorical Contest has been about far more than awarding prize money. Its foundational goal has been to cultivate a profound understanding of the U.S. Constitution and to develop leadership and communication skills in young people. For 87 years, the program has served as a crucible for future leaders, demanding intellectual rigor, poise under pressure, and the ability to articulate complex ideas persuasively.

The contest's alumni roster attests to its long-term impact. Past participants include prominent figures in American public life such as former Vice President Mike Pence, political commentator Lou Dobbs, and former presidential candidate Alan Keyes. Their success underscores the program's effectiveness in equipping young citizens with the tools for civic engagement and public service.

By requiring students to not only study the Constitution but to analyze it, interpret it, and speak on its relevance today, the competition transforms a historical document into a living framework for modern citizenship. Participants often describe the experience as transformative, building confidence and a lifelong appreciation for the duties and privileges of being an American. Hetzel's victory places her within this distinguished tradition of young scholars and orators.

A Broader Commitment to America's Youth

The significant scholarships awarded in the Oratorical Contest represent just a fraction of The American Legion's extensive commitment to youth education and development. As the nation's largest veterans organization, its mission extends to nurturing future generations through a wide array of programs designed to instill values of patriotism, service, and civic responsibility.

In 2026 alone, the organization awarded more than $8 million in scholarships at the local, state, and national levels. This financial support is channeled through numerous initiatives beyond the speech contest. Programs like Boys State and its national counterpart, Boys Nation, provide thousands of high school juniors with hands-on experience in government by having them create and run their own mock states. For nearly a century, American Legion Baseball has offered athletic competition and lessons in sportsmanship to millions of young people.

Hetzel's success as a home-schooled student also highlights the diverse backgrounds of the young people who excel in these programs. Her journey from a non-traditional classroom to a national stage demonstrates that dedication and a passion for learning are the true keys to success. Through these varied initiatives, the Legion continues to invest heavily in creating an informed, engaged, and capable generation of future American leaders.