What: Department of Minnesota Oratorical Contest
When: Semifinal competition will be at Anoka Post 102 and Osseo Post 172 on the morning of Saturday, Feb. 24, with the final competition at Anoka Post 102 in the afternoon of that day.
Where: Anoka Post 102, Osseo-Maple Grove Post 172
Who: Host by American Legion Department of Minnesota Oratorical Committee
Document downloads:
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Oratorical Contest
If you are unable to reach your post or district representatives regarding the Oratorical Program, please contact Jamie Woods at 317-666-1702 or jamiewoods79@gmail.com or Department HQ at 651-291-1800 or jkelley@mnlegion.org.
2024 National Contest Informational Links:
https://www.legion.org/oratorical
https://www.legion.org/oratorical/resources
http://www.legion.org/publications
https://www.legion.org/oratorical/topics
“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 an 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 presidential candidate Alan Keyes, national television commentator and talk radio host Lou Dobbs, and Vice-President of the United States Mike Pence.
Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $203,500 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets a $25,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $22,500, and third gets $20,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $2,000 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $2,000 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.
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. Speeches are eight to 10 minutes long; three- to five-minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest.
Contact your local Post to start your journey or contact the Department of Minnesota The American Legion at department@mnlegion.org .
