Gloucester High School junior Lauren Phelps was the winner of a high school-level Constitutional speech oratorical contest sponsored by Gloucester American Legion Post 75, White Marsh. Phelps, an NJROTC cadet, earned an award of a $200 U.S. Savings Bond, according to William Kossler, Post 75 Adjutant.

Following the Jan. 18 contest, Phelps participated in the Legion District 3 Oratorical competition on Jan. 22, held at American Legion Post 368 in Denbigh. She finished third and received a monetary award and invitation to return to next year’s competition.

Phelps delivered a prepared oration on a randomly-assigned Constitutional topic that was drawn by an audience member. She was assigned Amendment 8, which reads, "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."
"Lauren impressed the judge, audience and Legionnaires with her speech," Kossler said.

Since 1938, the American Legion High Scho...