Oratorical Contest
Overview
The Minnesota American Legion Oratorical Contest is an annual event that challenges high school students to deepen their understanding of the U.S. Constitution through public speaking. Participants prepare and deliver speeches on constitutional topics, fostering civic engagement and leadership skills. The state champion receives a $1,500 scholarship and advances to the national competition, where top winners can earn scholarships up to $25,000.
Details:
-
Feb. 28, 2026
-
Anoka Post 102
-
9 a.m. semifinals and 12:30 p.m. finals
What Is the Oratorical Contest?
The American Legion Oratorical Contest is a competition for high school students that challenges them to research and speak about the U.S. Constitution, developing public speaking, critical thinking and leadership skills. Participants deliver prepared speeches (8-10 minutes) on a constitutional topic and a shorter, assigned-topic speech (3-5 minutes) on a phase of the Constitution, with scholarship prizes awarded to the winners. Contestants speak on four assigned topics related to the Constitution, in addition to their main prepared speech.
State champions advance to the National Oratorical Contest, where they can win further scholarships. The program has been held since 1938 to encourage young people to better understand American citizenship and the Constitution.
Contact
American Legion Department of Minnesota
20 West 12th Street, Room 300-A
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: 651-291-1800
Email: department@mnlegion.org
