The American Legion District 23 Oratorical Contest was held on Saturday, January 16. 2016 at Kings Mountain American Legion Post 155. Representing American Legion Post 82 of Shelby, the winner of the contest was Gabe Turner, son of Tommy and Connie Turner of Ellenboro. Gabe attends Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy. Gabe will advance to the Division 5 competition in Hickory, NC on Saturday, February 13. 2016. Runner-up in the contest, representing Post 155 in Kings Mountain, NC, was Hunter Sizemore, son of Jason Sizemore and Karri Longworth. Hunter is home schooled.

Pictured above, from left to right, are Curtis Thrift, District Oratorical Chair and Commander of Post 155, Gabe Turner, Hunter Sizemore, and Evan Thompson, District 23 Commander.
- Photos Provided by Evan Thompson