American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest

To enter the American Legion High School Oratorical Contest, participants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Contestants must be students under 20 years old on the national contest date, enrolled in grades 9-12 at any high school, and either reside within or attend an educational institution in the participating department. They can compete through only one department, and early high school graduates are eligible if not enrolled in higher education. Scholarship Details • Open to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents • Participants must be under 20 years old and enrolled in grades 9-12 • High school graduates not yet enrolled in higher education are eligible • Deadline date may vary by state. Contact your local American Legion post or department to obtain specific deadlines applicable to your area. • Three national finalists are ineligible for further participation • Scholarship awards are contingent upon completing both the prepared oration and the assigned topic discourse Eligibility Criteria • Students must be enrolled in high school or equivalent educational programs within grades 9-12 • Participants must reside in or attend school within the contest's sponsoring department • Eligible participants must be U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents • Early graduates may compete if not enrolled in higher education • Participants may enter through only one department Application Process 1. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and reside in a participating department and verify deadline. 2. Prepare an original oration on a constitutional topic emphasizing a citizen’s duties and obligations. 3. Submit your application through the designated department by the deadline. 4. Compete in local, regional, and department contests for a chance to advance to the national contest. 5. Deliver both the prepared oration and assigned topic discourse at each competition level. Live broadcasts, filming, and taping are allowed with specific conditions, including consistent lighting and no interference with contestants or scheduled contest times. The American Legion is not financially obligated without prior approval.