ORATORICAL CONTEST
“A constitutional speech contest”
What is It?
The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.
Why Compete?
Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $138,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16,000, and third gets $14,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $1,500 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $1,500 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.
Who Is Eligible?
High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department (state) winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers.
When Does it Start?
Local competition begins in October of each year. Local contests must begin after November 2, 2013, and must be completed by December 20, 2013. District contests are completed by the end of January and Division level by mid-February. Department or State level contests are completed by late February, so that National finals can be conducted in early April.
What are the Subjects for Presentation?
Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to 10 minutes long; three- to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest.
For more information: www.[email protected] or visit http://www.legion.org/oratorical
An example of topics can be found at:
http://www.legion.org/oratorical/topics
Contact the Bandera American Legion Post at (830) 796-7528
Scott Pofahl received 3rd Place at the Department/State level in 2014. Click here to go to “Press Releases” for more information on his success and scholarships.
“A constitutional speech contest”
What is It?
The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.
Why Compete?
Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $138,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16,000, and third gets $14,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $1,500 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $1,500 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.
Who Is Eligible?
High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department (state) winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers.
When Does it Start?
Local competition begins in October of each year. Local contests must begin after November 2, 2013, and must be completed by December 20, 2013. District contests are completed by the end of January and Division level by mid-February. Department or State level contests are completed by late February, so that National finals can be conducted in early April.
What are the Subjects for Presentation?
Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to 10 minutes long; three- to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest.
For more information: www.[email protected] or visit http://www.legion.org/oratorical
An example of topics can be found at:
http://www.legion.org/oratorical/topics
Contact the Bandera American Legion Post at (830) 796-7528
Scott Pofahl received 3rd Place at the Department/State level in 2014. Click here to go to “Press Releases” for more information on his success and scholarships.