OXFORD – Despite a compelling speech on the separation of church and state, Chenango County’s representative will not be advancing forward to the next level of competition in the American Legion’s 72nd Annual High School Oratorical Contest.

Greene High School Senior Emily Hermanovitch, who took top honors at the Chenango County level competition on Nov. 30, faced stiff competition on Saturday when she was matched up against other county winners from the American Legion’s 6th District.

The event, which took place in the Performing Arts Auditorium at Oxford High School, included students from Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Madison, Schuyler and Otsego counties.

“It was a very difficult competition to judge, which the judges will attest to,” said 6th District Oratorical Chairperson Ken Sedgwick.

The competition ultimately ended in a tie between Schuyler County champ Joshua Hinterberger of Watkins Glen and the representative from Delaware County, Brenden Gregory of Walton. Both young orators received a $250 savings bond and will advance to the Zone 4 level of the competition, to be held in February at Mohawk High School.

Hinterberger, who is home schooled, delivered an oration titled “Self Government’s Foundation” while Gregory spoke of the 14th Amendment in his speech, “The Heart of Equality.”

“It’s great to be recognized,” said Gregory, who said preparing for the contest required months of preparation and a great deal of effort.

He and Hinterberger said they are looking forward to advancing to the next level in the contest, but know they will face even stiffer competition in Mohawk.