The American Legion High School Oratorical Contest “A constitutional speech contest"
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 the understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former president candidate Alan Keyes and CNN anchor Lou Dobbs.
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.
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 winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers.
2015 American Legion Post 134 Oratorical Contest
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2015
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Pete Garcia Company
5154 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Atlanta, GA 30341
770.458.8888
Purpose: Enhance in high school students civic awareness and appreciation of the United States Constitution.
Nature: This is not a debate-type contest. Each contestant will appear individually before the judges.
Prizes: First prize in the Post 134 is $250 and be eligible to participate in successively higher level Legion contests. The national winner will receive an $18,000 college scholarship.
Entry Fee: None
Procedure: 1. Each contestant makes an 8-10 minute presentation on any part of the U.S. Constitution he or she wishes. No notes, video, or singing (?) during the presentation. Unlimited prep time before the contest.
2. After the presentation(s), in full view of contestant(s), the contest chairman will draw from a hat one of these three official "assigned topics" for 2015: Amendment #5, 6, 8, or 19. All contestants get the wording of the amendment drawn. Each contestant must prepare a 3-to-5 minute presentation on the topic drawn.Prep time: 5 minutes from the drawing. No study resources except the wording of the amendment drawn.
Register: Contact Contest Chairman Robert Moore at
for a registration form or if you have any additional questions.
