The Gift of Gab Stafford teen advances to regional oratorical contest

BY TRACY BELL

a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. It teaches leadership, to think and speak clearly, the history of the nation’s laws and an understanding of the responsibilities of American citizenship, according to the organization.

Erin Fox, chair for the American Legion’s oratorical contests at local Post 290 and District 16 – which includes Stafford, Prince William, Culpeper, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Rappahannock counties – said the American Legion prides itself in reaching out to the community to teach patriotism and an understanding of government.

Young people may have read the U.S. Constitution, she said, but it’s important they understand it.

“The contests have become a way for them to engage and understand the world around them,” Fox said, and the speeches are an effective way to show what they know.

considering the time limit.”

Hatzis, a member of Boy Scout Troop 317, also just completed his Eagle Scout project – a raised garden for SERVE in Stafford County. The garden will help SERVE educate those who visit its food bank on how to grow fresh fruits and vegetables, Hatzis said.

He was appreciative of the American Legion, thanking the organization for its generous support.

“They have provided invaluable training during this process,” Hatzis said. “I encourage all civic-minded students to consider competing.”

The pressure of public speaking and fast thinking could easily be intimidating, especially for shy personalities or the illprepared. Hatzis acknowledged that he gets nervous competing, but noted that even if he gets his speech out of order, “the audience can’t tell unless I make it obvious.”

The January district contest was three days before the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, with King’s iconic speech, “I Have a Dream,” long inspiring oratorical contests.

The regional American Legion winner will advance to the state competition in Portsmouth on March 3. Then, one state competitor from Virginia will earn $2,000 for participating in the first round of the national competition.

Pretend you’re a teenager.

Now, let’s discuss the United States Constitution. You should not only understand its articles, but also be able to prepare and deliver an eightto 10-minute speech about it in front of a crowd as part of a competition. You’ll emphasize a citizen’s duties and obligations to the country’s government – oh, and once on stage, you can’t use any notes.

There’s a think-on-your-feet portion, too, where you’ll have five minutes to ponder an assigned topic related to the Constitution and three to five minutes to show what you know. For some people, adults included, that would be a long 15 or 20 minutes. But Mountain View High School senior John Hatzis succeeded in all of that.

The 17-year-old Rock Hill District resident prevailed over four other competitors in an oratorical contest at Stafford’s American Legion Post 290 in December. Then on Jan. 14, he prepared and presented his speech to judges for the district competition, though no one was challenging him.

The American Legion held the ceremony just the same.

Now, Hatzis will move on to the regional American Legion oratorical competition Feb. 25 at Stafford Post 290.

“The easiest part is being passionate about what you are speaking about, as the American Legion lets you be in the driver’s seat for the topic,” Hatzis said. “The hardest part is the assigned topic, as you have no idea what it will be, have little time to prepare and must speak from memory.”

The American Legion Oratorical Contest, held since 1938, seeks to develop

“These kids deliver them with zero notes, no prompts,” said Fox, noting that this was the second year Hatzis competed. The contest was certainly in his wheelhouse, considering his extracurricular interests at Mountain View, including his role as captain of the debate team, lead actor in the high school musical and member of honors band and chorus.

Hatzis is the son of Anthony and Kai Hatzis of Stafford, where they’ve lived since he was in kindergarten.

He earned $900 in scholarship money for winning the local Post 290 competition and received another $500 for the district contest.

“I love scripts, and can easily commit them to memory – part of the reason I enjoy theater and debate – which has been especially helpful in this competition,” Hatzis said. “I am not as good at thinking quickly on my feet. I take some time to think before I speak, obviously not ideal

The national winner receives $25,000; second place is $22,500 and third place is $20,000.

Along with the oratorical contests, the American Legion has other programs geared toward young people, Fox said, including an American flag program for elementaryschool students, and Boys and Girls State, where students travel to Radford University to learn about all things government.

As for Hatzis, he plans to study liberal arts in college, with a focus on law and policy. He hasn’t decided on scholarships yet, but is racking up offers from some of his top college picks.

Tracy Bell is a freelancer who lives in Stafford County.

For more information on the American Legion, including videos of the oratorical contest, visit legion.org and staffordpost290.org.