Purpose The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program 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.
Scholarships 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. Department scholarship awards are presented to the top four Area winners as follows: $1,500 (1st place) and advances to the national finals held in Hillsdale, Michigan; $1,000 (2nd place); $800 (3rd place); and $500 (4th place). The National scholarship awards are presented to the three finalists in the Final Round of the National contest as follows: 1st place - $25,000; 2nd place - $22,500; 3rd place - $20,000. Each Department (State) winner who is certified into and participates in the first round of the National Contest will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Each first round winner who advances to and partcipates in the second round, but does not advance to the Final Round, will receive an additional $2,000 scholarship to pursue education beyond high school. Eligibility Eligible participants in The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest shall be citizens of or lawful permanent residents of the United States. All contestants must be bona fide students under the age of twenty (20) years on the date of the National Contest who are presently enrolled in a high school or junior high school (public, parochial, military, private or state accredited home school) in which the curriculum of said high school is considered to be of high school level, commencing with grade nine (9) and terminating with grade twelve (12). Students must be enrolled in high school or junior high school during the time of participation at any level of The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest. Contestants must either be legally domiciled within or attend an educational institution within the Department (State) that they enter competition. Contestants can enter competition through only one Department. The three finalists of the National Contest will be ineligible for further participation at any level. The Contest The contest will consist of two parts: (A) An 8 – 10 minute, memorized oration will be given on some phase of the United States Constitution. (B) A 3 – 5 minute oration on one of the four “assigned topics” assigned by National Headquarters. The contestant may not use any notes or prompts when giving their oration. A minimum of five (5) judges will judge all contests, grading independently. Local and county contest can be judged by a minimum of three (3) judges. The tabulators will tabulate all scores of the judges and apply any penalties as directed by the Chairman of the contest. The Chairman will verify the result and announce the winners. For Additional Information: - Download the Oratorical Contest Brochure - Download the Oratorical Contest Student Entry Form (Updated September 2023) - Visit The American Legion Assigned Topics web page for information on the assigned topics. - Visit The American Legion Oratorical Contest web page for information about the program. - Download a list of the Department of Nebraska's past Oratorical State Champions (Updated September 2024). - Download the 2024-2025 Junior Speech Program Brochure - Contact American Legion Department of Nebraska Programs Director Eric Martin at 402-464-6338.
American Legion Youth Programs Video Available The American Legion has created a video about its youth programs and the one common denominator they all have – responsible citizenship. The video also highlights why those who served in the U.S. military and continue their service through membership in The American Legion have a stake in the youth programs that develop future leaders. Click here to watch the video. |
