<bt>Kaitlin Turck, a senior in Edison High School's International Baccalaureate program, won first place in the 66th Annual American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest on March 14 in Virginia Beach.
Turck qualified for the competition by taking first place in the Post, District and Northern competitions. Her original oration, "The Right to Vote, Making a Difference," tells the story of the personal sacrifices and political courage required for ratifying the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing women the right to vote.
Turck earned a $1,500 college scholarship and will now travel to Indianapolis, Ind. for the National semifinals/finals scheduled for April 12 and 13. She will compete against 54 state and international winners for first, second and third place honors and scholarship awards of $18,000, $16,000 and $14,000.