HOWLAND — A senior at Howland High School will compete in a constitutional speech contest this weekend to earn a scholarship from the American Legion.

As part of the 85th American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, Katherine Elizabeth Toepfer will vie for a scholarship of up to $25,000 in the contest quarterfinals 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at Hillsdale College of Hillsdale, Michigan.

“Katie is a fantastic role model for our Howland students,” said Howland High School principal Joseph Simko. “In graphic design, speech and debate, and academics, she truly stands out. Katie is incredibly talented yet remains humble. We are immensely proud of all her accomplishments.”

Semifinals of 18 contestants will follow the round of 52 from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and the final round of three students will conclude from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. A live webcast of the event can be found at www.legion.org and on Facebook.

The final round will offer scholarships of $25,000, $22,500, and $20,000.

Competitors will deliver a rehearsed 8- to-10-minute address and a randomly assigned 3-to-5-minute oration on a constitutional topic, each without the benefit of notes and in front of a live audience, including the judges, according to a press release from The American Legion.

“Her talent and work ethic shine through in her speech and debate achievements,” Simko said. “It is exciting to see her receive this well-deserved honor and wish her well this weekend.”

The American Legion’s release also mentioned that the American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program “A Constitutional Speech Contest” is held annually to encourage young Americans to improve their communications skills and to study the U.S. Constitution.

More than 6,000 high school students begin competition at the American Legion Post-community level. The American Legion national headquarters provides transportation, room and board at Hillsdale to all of the competitors.