Oratorical Contest

The purpose of The American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship.

The American Legion’s National Organization awards scholarships which can be used at any college or university in the United States. Young orators advancing to the National contest earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students.

High school students under the 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 winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds.

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. Constitutional speeches are eight to ten minutes long in addition to a three to five minute speech on an assigned topic.

For more information visit:

https://www.legion.org/get-involved/youth-programs/oratorical-contest