The American Legion’s National Oratorical Contest challenges high school students to explore and understand the U.S. Constitution while developing confidence, leadership, and communication skills. Since 1938, the program has prepared young people for citizenship through critical thinking and public speaking, while producing notable alumni such as former Vice President Mike Pence, commentator Lou Dobbs, and presidential candidate Alan Keyes.

Program Objectives

  • The contest is an inspiring experience focuses on speaking skills to an audience, which is key a functional future democracy. Contestants gain a deeper appreciation for the Constitution and the responsibilities of American citizenship, while building:
  • Integrity
  • Advocacy skills
  • Respect for civic engagement.

 

For many participants, it’s not just about winning; it’s about discovering their voice, strengthening their character, and carrying forward the legacy of American democracy.

Eligibility

Eligible participants must be citizens of or lawful permanent residents of the United States. All contestants must be bona fide students herein described as any student under the age of 20 years on the date of the national contest who is presently enrolled in a high school or junior high school (public, parochial, military, private or home school). The curriculum of the school must be considered to be of high school level, commencing with grade 9 and terminating with grade 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 that they enter competition. Contestants can enter competition through only one department.

High school students that graduate early during the school year are eligible to compete if they are not enrolled in a college, university, trade school or other institution of higher learning at the time of the department finals contest.

Rules & Awards

The Oratorical Chairperson in charge of each Contest shall have full control and supervision of each Contest and his/her decisions shall be final. The Department Oratorical Chair will direct the Department Contest. Official judging cards, tabulation forms, and timekeeper forms can be found in the Post Oratorical Chair’s Guide. Extra forms can be furnished upon request.

AWARDS:

  1. The American Legion Post may present a scholarship or such awards to the winner of the High School Contest as it chooses so long as such awards has NO cash value. The scholarship must be paid to the college or university of the student’s choice in the student’s name to be credited in the student’ name once proof of enrollment has been received. A deadline for the payment should be established by the awarding organization.
  2. The American Legion, Department of Texas, will award: Each Division winner will receive a certificate for participation in the Department Finals and a medal for their standing in the contest.
  3. The Department will award a $2,000 scholarship to the college of his/her choice; 2nd place – $1,500 scholarship; 3rd place $1,000 scholarship; and 4th place $500 scholarship (provided the winner enters college within 1 year after graduation from high school).
  4. The Department Champion will receive an additional $2,000 scholarship from National provided he/she participates in the Quarter Finals Contest and an additional $2,000 scholarship from National if the participant advances to the Semi Finals Contest and does not advance to the National Finals. Competitors in the National Finals are awarded scholarships as follows; 1st – $25,000; 2nd – $22,500; 3rd – $20,000.

FINANCES:

  1. The Department assumes no liability for the expenses of any individual contestant in connection with any High School, District or Division Contest.
  2. Expenses of .14¢ per mile round trip for contestant and one adult in car for Division winners will be paid by the Department traveling to the State Contest. (No air travel is authorized.)  Such expenses will be paid to the adult chaperon or to the Post. No monies are to be paid directly to the contestant to protect his/her future eligibility to participate in the University Interscholastic League. Contestant’s actual expenses will not be reimbursed.
  3. The winner of the Department Contest will represent the State of Texas in the National Contests and expenses for such contestants will be provided in accordance with the National Rules.

COPIES OF MANUSCRIPT:

All Division Winners MUST submit one copy of their prepared oration to the Department Chair or their designated representative before competing in the State Final Contest. (This copy is to be forwarded by the Department Chairperson to Department Headquarters for record purposes along with the Chair’s written report.)

Download Poster

Further information

Post 319 Committee Chairmen

Texas Oratorical Website

National Oratorical Website