Walker teen wins Minnesota American Legion Oratorical Contest

By Tim Engstrom Published February 27, 2024

From left are Department Auxiliary President Sharon Cross, contestants Caleb Robrahn, Abigail Erpelding, Elijah Cox and Madison Price, and Contest Chairwoman Jamie Woods of Minneapolis Johnnie Baker Post 291.

ANOKA — Elijah Cox of Walker won the Minnesota American Legion Oratorical Contest Finals on Saturday, Feb. 24.

He was the 6th District champion. He is sponsored by Walker Post 134.

State Oratorical Champion Elijah Cox stands with Department Auxiliary President Sharon Cross and Minnesota American Legion Oratorical Contest Chairwoman Jamie Woods on Feb. 25 at Anoka Post 102.

“Good luck, Elijah, as you represent the Department of Minnesota at the National Oratorical Contest in May,” said Minnesota American Legion Oratorical Contest Chairwoman Jamie Woods.

The American Legion National Oratorical Contest is May 17-19 at Hillsdale College in Michigan.

The state semifinals on Feb. 24 were conducted in the morning at Osseo Post 172, and the state finals took place in the afternoon at Anoka Post 102, with a lunch at Post 102, too.

Second place went to Abigail Erpelding of the 1st District. She was sponsored by Kasson Post 333. The competition was tied at the end of the finals, and a tiebreaker was employed to determine first and second place.

Caleb Robrahn of the 3rd District came in third. He was sponsored by Le Center Post 108.

Madison Price of the 7th District placed fourth and was sponsored by Eden Valley Post 381.

Coming in at fifth place was Katelin Flack of the 2nd District. She was sponsored by Mankato Post 11.

“Congratulations to all the contestants. It was a fierce competition to judge,” Woods said. “Thanks to all who assisted by volunteering your Saturday to help with this event.”