It has been the subject of Hollywood movies, the topic of countless court cases, and deemed the supreme law of the United States of America. The United States Constitution is both the oldest and shortest of the written national constitutions around the world and George Washington gave gratitude for it at the first national Thanksgiving.  When the Bill of Rights was added in 1791, there was no way of knowing that a Bridgeport High School senior would be earning a scholarship based on the First Amendment over 200 years later.

 

Carol Maya Wiltshire was raised with a passion for politics. Last fall, she helped her fellow seniors at Bridgeport High School to register to vote after spearheading Inspire West Virginia at the school.  She now plans to continue influencing others through her future career as a lawyer and her recent win in the American Legion Oratorical Contest, which allowed her the opportunity to defend the First Amendment.

 

As an active member of the Children of the American Revolution, Wiltshire has always valued the impact decisions made over two centuries ago have had on our lives today.  She entered the American Legion Oratorical Contest as a way to both further educate herself about the Constitution and also to defend what she considers one of the most important parts.

 

“I was challenged with preparing an 8-10 minute oration on some aspect of the Constitution of the United States with an emphasis on the duties and obligations of U.S. citizens,” she said.  “I chose the importance of the freedom of religion for my topic.”

 

In her speech, Wiltshire clarified that the commonly paraphrased “separation of church and state” was actually a constitutional amendment meant to protect citizens from being forced to practice a national religion and allow citizens to keep religion as a private matter.  Her impassioned presentation included the importance of becoming educated about the Constitution and included law suits that have challenged the First Amendment. 

 

“Ultimately, we as Americans must sustain, nurture, and protect the right to practice whatever religion we choose,” said Wiltshire.

 

After advancing from American Legion Post 7, followed by winning the district competition, Wiltshire then traveled to Gulfport, Mississippi to compete in the Area Contest in early March.  There she placed fourth and as awarded a scholarship of $1100.

 

“I think it is important for young people to research thoroughly, think critically, and speak persuasively, finding their voice and using it to be good citizens and members of the community,” said Wiltshire.  “This oratorical contest gave me the opportunity to do that and I am so grateful to have participated.”

 

Editor's Note: Photo above, also featuring Dot Underwood, J.D. Lister, Harrison County Clerk J.D. Lister and fellow BHS students, was used in a December 2017 story about Wiltshire and Vincent Pinti. Read that story HERE.