GLADSTONE — Representing the 5th Zone in the Michigan American Legion Oratorical Contest is Austin Nagel, member of Sons of the American Legion Squadron 244 of Powers and a student at Carney-Nadeau High School.

Nagel will be competing with contestants from the other four zones in Grand Rapids at Gerald Ford Museum in March.

In addition to a first place medal, Austin is receiving a financial gift from the Upper Peninsula Association of American Legion Posts (U.P.A.A.L.P.) to defer travel expenses for the final competition.

Presenting the awards to Austin was 5th Zone Commander Wendy Sexton, along with Unit 244 Auxiliary President Jan Hafeman, Past State Commander Bill Hafeman, and 11th District Commander and 5th Zone Education and Scholarship Chairman George Maciejewski.