Senior Halle Hagdorn competed in the American Legion State Oratorical Contest and placed sixth, earning herself a $5,000 scholarship. To qualify, Hagdorn placed first at the district competition and first at the regional competition.

“I was really nervous going into the competition,” Hagdorn said. “When I saw all of the veterans, I was even more nervous because they’ve been there before. I was shocked when I figured out I placed in the top ten.”