American Legion

The American Legion First District High School Oratory Contest was held Sunday, Jan. 15 in Eddyville. Pictured from left to right are: Jackson McLean (first place); Jim Clemons (Post 73 Commander); Jack Johnson (second place); and Samuel Martin (third place). It’s the first time a trio from the same high school — Marshall County — have swept all three top finishing spots in American Legion First District Oratory Contest.

 Contributed photo

The American Legion First District High School Oratory Contest was held Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Lee S. Jones Convention Center in Eddyville. The contest had three finalists and the district champion is Jackson McLean, a senior at Marshall County High School. He’s the son of Holly and Eric McLean of Calvert City and is sponsored by American Legion Post 236 of Calvert City.

Jack Johnson of Marshall County High School finished in second place and Samuel Martin, also of Marshall County High School, finished in third place.

According to Mark Kennedy, First District coordinator for the American Legion, this was the first time three finalists came from the same high school and this is the first time the same high school won the district competition three times in a row.

McLean will now compete at the Area “A” contest on Sunday, Feb. 15, against the winners from the 2nd and 3rd Districts. He can qualify to advance to the department (state) contest in March for a chance to go to the nationals in April Indianapolis, Indiana. He has the opportunity to set another first by having the department (state) champion come from the same high school for three consecutive years and they would all three have the first name Jackson.