Oratorical Contest

Program Type: Academic speaking competition with college scholarships

The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students.

Notable Alumni: The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former presidential candidate Alan Keyes and FBN anchor Lou Dobbs.

Scholarship Information:

• Total Available Annually: Over $138,000 in scholarships
• National Winner: $18,000
• Second Place: $16,000
• Third Place: $14,000
• Department (State) Winners (first round): $1,500 scholarship
• Advancement Past First Round: Additional $1,500 scholarship
• Scholarship Use: Can be used at any college or university in the United States
• Awarded By: American Legion's National Organization

Eligibility:

• High school students under age 20

Speaking Requirements:

• Main Speech: 8-10 minutes on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution with emphasis on duties and obligations of citizens to government
• Secondary Speech: 3-5 minute speeches on assigned topic

Competition Structure:

• Begins at the Post level
• Advances to state competition
• Legion Department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest
• Department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds
• Final round determines the three top finishers