Shannon Gallagher, a senior at Butler High School, captured first place in the

Butler County American Legion Oratorical Contest held Jan. 31.Gallagher, who was sponsored by American Legion Post 117 in Butler, will advance to the regional round of competition.Gallagher is the daughter of Michael and Kathee Gallagher of Center Township.Other competitors in the county competition were Carly Fitzgerald and Kaitlin Welling.Fitzgerald is a senior at Knoch High School. She is the daughter of Greg and Kim Fitzgerald of Sarver.Welling is a junior at Knoch High School. She is the daughter of Doran and Wendy Welling of Penn Township.