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 contestants speak on:
Prepared Oration: 8 minutes (no more than 1o min.) on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with an emphasis on a citizen’s duties and obligations.
Assigned Topic: 3 minutes (no more than 5min.) on some phase of the Constitution of the United states. A list of the assigned topics will be made available prior to the contest and posted on the Legion web site @ www.legion.org/oratorical/topics
Contestants start at the post level and then go the the district.
District six awards cash prizes to 3 winners with first place continuing on to the state level.
The fourteen District winners participate in 2 semi-final sessions with the top 4 semi-finalists competing in the state finals. The state awards $2,500.00 to the 4 finalist.
The state winner advances on the the National level
The National winner will receive $25,000.00
Second place receives $22,500.00
Third place receives $20,000.00