Rick Gunn/Nevada Appeal Amber Beasley smiles Saturday after winning the state oratorical contest sponsored by the American Legion Post 4 of Carson City. The state contest was held in the old assembly chambers in the Capitol Building and included speeches by four students from around the state.
Amber Beasley's win Saturday at the Department of Nevada High School Oratorical Contest began six years ago in elementary school when she came upon a question.
"I remember being in fifth grade and asking my dad why there was freedom of speech and why there was freedom of religion, but why kids couldn't pray in school?" she said.
Beasley, 17, a junior from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, competed in the Capitol building Saturday morning against three other Nevada students for a $1,500 scholarship and a trip to the nationals in Indianapolis.
Each student gave an eight- to 10-minute prepared speech on the Constitution topic of his or her choice then later spoke for several minutes on a topic selected that morning.
"I think it went good," Beasley said. "I was definitely nervous. I think this is a very good organization, and I'm excited to be here."
The winner of the national contest in April will receive $18,000 in college scholarship money, But that's not the reason Beasley entered the contest.
"The reason I'm competing is I'm really interested in our government and our Constitution," she said.
During her prepared speech, "We the People," she said most people erroneously think separation of church and state is written into the First Amendment. What is in it, she said, is the right for people to practice the religion they believe in.
"Thomas Jefferson believed that a man's religion is personal."
She also spoke of the duties and obligations of U.S. citizens, saying to understand what those are, citizens must respect and understand the Constitution.
Saturday's contest was held in the historic assembly chambers of the State Capitol and sponsored by American Legion Capitol Post 4.
Also participating were Ali Sullivan, 18, a senior from Fernley High School, whose speech was called "The Second Amendment"; Amanda Izatt, 16, a junior at Elko High School, whose speech was called "We the People"; and Jeff Meyers, 17, a junior from Pershing County High School, whose speech was called "Posterity: The Big Winners."
"It just amazes me," said Post 4 Department Chairman Tod Jennings.
"I stood back here and had goose bumps. These kids are so articulate and well-versed."
The four competitors came from different American Legion districts in Nevada.
"I'd like to see more of the kids get involved and the schools pushing the contest," Jennings said.
n Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.