DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA ORATORICAL FINALS
A Two Way Tie
With Winners - Pranay Yeteru and Audrea Taylor
(75th Oratorical Contest Draws Near
April 14 - 15, Indianapolis, IN)

The 2012 Department of California Oratorical Contest was held in Lakewood on the 26th of February. Department Commander, Hugh Crooks, hosted the 75th annual competition that was orchestrated by Department Oratorical Chairman Bill Miller from Lakewood Post 496. Those lucky enough to attend the competition witnessed an awesome display of young talent in a perfect setting. Held at the Lakewood City Council Chambers, participants from all six areas were most impressive and definitely did not disappoint the audience. Many of the attendees commented afterwards that they were “sure glad that they did not have to judge the competition.” It was that close. In fact, the scoring was so close that score cards had to be double-checked (and ultimately after the initial announcement a third time!) to ultimately ensure final placement. Participants included Lynnette Rheault (Area One/Rosemont High School), Bennett Stehr (Area Two/Miramonte High School), Donovan Souza (Area Three/Enochs High School), Acelia Larios (Area Four/California High School), Audrea Taylor (Area Five/Heritage Christian High School), and Pranay Yeturu (Area Six/Claremont High School). Ultimately, two individuals tied for 1st Place and based on tie-breaker rules Pranay Yeteru was acknowledged as the winner. However, since he has a prior commitment for the weekend of the National Finals in April, Audrea Taylor will represent the Department in Indianapolis the weekend of 13-15 April. Department Oratorical Chairman Bill Miller thanked those in attendance for supporting the contestants and the Department Oratorical Program. He also thanked his area commissioners and said that he “could not have pulled this (the event) off without their help.” Area Commissioners that assisted in this year’s program included “Smoky” Davis (Area 1), Robert Biby (Area 2), Alan Fry (Area 3), “Spike” Valencia (Area 5), and Tom Urich (Area 6). Phil Heller, last year’s Chairman, also assisted the team as a Timekeeper and, with his Department Chaplain Cap on, gave the Invocation and Benediction. Numerous dignitaries were present including Hugh Crook’s counterpart from the VFW – State Commander Bobby Price. Commander Price was one of the five judges and was “honored to have taken part in this year’s final.” The six competitors showed a lot of class and the utmost respect for the Legionnaires in attendance. It truly was a memorable day. Good luck to all the competitors and especially to Audrea as she moves on to the next level. We wish her good luck!