Co' Relous Candal Bryant |
Co' Relous Candal Bryant started the weekend as one of 53 state champions in the 70th annual American Legion National High School Oratorical Championship and advanced to the top through three rounds of intense competition.
This is the first time since 1978 that a high school contestant from Florida has won.
Ashley Lauren Butman, a home-schooled senior from Cumming, Ga. earned a $16,000 scholarship while Jared Carson Canfield, a junior from Canfield Academy in Naperville, Ill. earned a $14,000 college scholarship. The scholarships account for a small portion of the roughly $3.5 million in post-secondary scholarships that The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans organization, awards annually.
In his speech Bryant described America as a "city on a hill." “We are positioned up on a mountain and we allow our light to cast out and illuminate the rest of the world,” said Bryant. “The source and power behind that light is the Constitution…It puts the power in the hands of the people.”
The American Legion provided lodging, hotel accommodations and transportation for all 54 contestants and their chaperones attending the weekend competition here at the University Place Conference Center and Hotel. The site is on the campus of Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis.
In each round, orators delivered a rehearsed 8- to 10-minute address and a randomly assigned 3- to 5-minute oration on a constitutional topic, each without the benefit of notes and in front of a live audience, including the judges. The 2.8-million member American Legion developed the contest to encourage young people to improve their communications skills and to study the U.S. Constitution.
Bryant summed up his speech by challenging all Americans to be more active in their government. “Look into the eyes of America and find out what works. Pity never accomplished anything, yet if you take the pride and example that your country gives you, and apply it to the other areas that aren't as privileged, America works. She got it right.”
Comments (11)
Bravo, Co' Relous Candal Bryant!!!
Your presentation of the U.S. Constitution was magnificent...it moved me to tears ! Your parents & grandparents are to be congratulated for rearing such a fine young man.
You have truly earned the Scholarship!!! Use it in Good Health, may God Bless you, and make all your future dreams come true…
Posted by Annie V. | 04/16/07 12:34 PM |
Excellent speech
Posted by American Citizen | 04/16/07 2:31 PM |
True eloquence!! We have shown the video to many members in our office. We plan to show it on our big screen T.V. for everyone to see. What an outstanding young man, a true leader in the years ahead. We all wish him the very best.
Posted by American Legion Post 153 | 04/18/07 3:17 PM |
Co'Relous Bryant, excellant.
Illinois is also very proud of Jared Canfield, third place in the Annual National High School Oratorical Contest. With young people like this our country is in good hands and will have a great future.
Posted by Luis Gonzalez, Commander Department of Illinois | 04/19/07 3:58 PM |
I really appreciate all of the kind, kind words. This speech contest has meant a lot to me and sharing my opinion about this great country is something I deem an honor to do. If there is anything that I can do for anyone, or if anyone would like to contact me, please don't hesitate to email.
I will be attenting New York University in the fall!
God Bless
Posted by Co'Relous Bryant | 05/01/07 5:18 PM |
Co'Relous Bryant
Of course I meant attending!
My email address is
Corelousb@aol.com
Posted by Co'Relous Bryant | 05/01/07 5:20 PM |
God bless you, young man. I experienced true joy reading this article! I've been in education for many years and recognition of the accomplishments of our young people make me know The American Legion has gotten it right!
Posted by Davina Sanders | 05/25/07 11:59 AM |
It is difficult to believe that he is only a high school senior. Out of the mouths of babes............
Beware NYU! You may become educated!
Posted by Peter B. Miazza | 05/26/07 6:14 PM |
Congratulations. We hope to hear more from you in the future. If you're ever in the State of Massachusetts, please let me know, so that our Legion Post can recognize you.
Ralph F. Browne, Jr, PC16
Past Grand Chef
Grand du MA, 40&8
Posted by Ralph Browne | 05/27/07 11:51 AM |
Great job Coco!!!
I'm glad I came across this speech after hearing how great it was from everyone at school.
Really, anyone who sees this or hears about you will know that you are impressive but until they get to know you they have no idea how you can always make people smile!
Good luck in college :)
Posted by Emily Brennan | 06/11/07 1:27 PM |
your old art teacher Mrs. Healy from Darnell-Cookman Middle says you are inspirational and did the morning announcments thing of "make it a great day or not, the choice is yours" that we still say today :-)
we are in art right now and are not doing work.
Posted by Baller | 04/18/08 11:15 AM |