Winners in the Madison County High School Oratorical Contest stand with American Legion members. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Madelyn Clark was the first-place winner in the Madison County Oratorical Contest for high school students.

American Legion posts in Madison County sponsored the event at Madison City Hall on Jan. 30. All contestants based their speeches on the U.S. Constitution, this year’s contest theme.

Blake Silver ranked in second place, while Reed Silver was the third-place orator; Blake and Reed are brothers. Clark and the Silver brothers all are students at Providence Classical School.

“We had a great day. Thanks to American Legion members for their support,” Carlos F. Woods said. Woods serves as County Commander, along with Commander of American Legion, Post 229 in Madison.

Contest judges were retired Maj. Gen. Paulette Risher, Director of Still Serving Veterans; Madison City Councilman Mike Potter; Sandra Griffin, retired teacher with Huntsville City Schools; Chief Ralph Cobb, Madison Fire and Rescue Department; and Commander Terrence Lin, American Legion Post 201, Huntsville.

Other county legionnaires volunteering their time included Adjutant Elizabeth Johnson, Post 351; 12th District Commander Jeremy Blevins; Chairman Richard Marquith, Post 237; Commander Robert Douglas, Post 351; 2nd Vice Commander Malcolm Brasher and Kathy Robinson, Post 351; and Trent Bennett, Bill Petit, Earl Watts, James Vance and Lester Barnard, Post 229.

“I want to thank our county volunteers that gave their time to conduct the contest,” Woods said. “Without their assistance, the contest would not have taken place.”

Clark represented Madison County in the 12th District Oratorical Contest at Faulkner University on Feb. 13.

For more information, call Woods at or 256-508-6548 or email woodscarlos12@gmail.com.