Suffield Student Honored by State Sen. Kissel [Photo]

Owen Gee, Jeanne Gee, Ben Gee, Sen. John A. Kissel, Patrick Gee, Noah Gee.

State Sen. John A. Kissel served as a judge of the American Legion John Maciolek Post 154’s High School Oratorical Contest held Jan. 19 at Holy Family Church in Enfield.

The competition aims to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students.

Suffield High School 10th grader Ben Gee was this year’s winner. Ben’s oration was about how Suffield residents travelled to Hartford to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Gee was presented with a $100 first place prize and advances to the February 4 district competition in Rocky Hill.

“I was so impressed by Ben’s public speaking skills,” Senator Kissel said. “Without any notes, he spoke clearly and intelligently for over nine minutes and kept the audience’s attention throughout. Believe me, that is not an easy thing to do. Ben’s performance in the competition really is a great reflection on his teachers and his family members who were in attendance, and it is great to see north-central Connecticut area students like Ben who are so well-versed on the rights and privileges of American citizenship.”

Kissel thanked the American Legion, led by Post #154 Commander Lucien Lefevre, for sponsoring the event and for doing so much to develop leadership qualities in young people.

Kissel encouraged the public to contact him at 800 842 1421 or at [email protected] .

He represents East Granby, Enfield, Somers, Suffield, Windsor Locks and portions of Granby and Windsor.