Jackson Sauders 2025 Oratorical Winner speaks to convention delegates
Jackson Sauders: 2025 Oratorical Winner Ispires Delegates with Message to "Get in the Game."
Jackson Sauders, representing New Castle American Legion Pist 343, was recognized today by convention delegates after winning top honors in the 2025 Pennsylvania American Legion Oratorical Contest. The victory earned him a $7,500 scholarship and an all expense paid trip to compete at the national level this past May at Hillsdale College in Michigan.
Sauders' winning address, titled "Get in the Game," drew on his love of sports to illustrate how citizens can actively engage in American democracy. His speech encouraged fellow duties by voting, staying informed, and participant in local government.
"I decided to go more into how you can be an empowered citizen," Sauders explained, reflecting on his approach this year. "I also wanted to get into a sports analogy because I really enjoy playing sports and being involved in it. I though it would be a great way to say that a citizen can be in the game of politics like you can be in the game of sports."
The cotes challenges high school students to deliver an eight to ten minute prepared speech on the Constitution of The United States. They also will do a shorter assigned topic address. The Oratorical contest has been a hallmark of the American Leion's youth programs since 1939. It is designed to instill a deeper knowledge of the nation's founding principles, along with public speaking and leadership skills.
This year's title marks a significant milestone for Post 343, as Saunders is the post's first ever state champion.
"It's quite an honor for our post to have him as our state winner," said Post Commander Bill Schafer. "We're very proud of his accomplishments since he started two years ago with us. He's really advanced in his presentations." Schafer noted that Sauders has regularly spoken at post events to refine his delivery, even volunteering at veterans' breakfast last month.
Sauders credited his experience in last year's competition, where he finished runner-up at the state sectional level, with helping him reach the top this year.
"Having a little bit of experience under my belt helped with confidence overall and what to do with hand gestures and my tone of voice," he said.
The National American Legion awarded $25,000 to the national champion, with scholarships of $22,000 and $20,000 for second and third place finishers, respectively.
After he delivered his award winning speech, Sauders expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and the American Legion members who have supported his journey and emphasized his faith as the foundation of his success.
About the Pennsylvania Oratorical Contest
The contest is open to Pennsylvania high school students under age 20. Participants must be enrolled in grades 9-12 and either live in or attend school in Pennsylvania, with applications submitted to a local American Legion Post, normally as early as December.
Contestants advance through multiple eliminations rounds:
- School or Post Level
- County Contest
- District Contest
- Section Contest (3 sections in the state west, central, east)
- Department Finals normally in March in Harrisburg
- Then onto the levels of the National level.
Contest Format & Rules
- Prepared speech: 8-10 minutes on a chosen aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with emphasis on civic duties.
- Assigned topic: 3-5 minutes on a national level topic drawn at the contest.
- No notes or aids during delivery of the speech. The contestants speak from memory.
- Judged by at least five impartial judges at district level and aove; scores tabulated meticulously.
- Format adhears strictly to national contest standards, including use of timers and penalties for under/over time.
Scholarship & Awards
- There are normally awards for the earlier levels of post, county, district, and section.
- Department state winner: $7,500, plus plaque and free trip to deliver the oration at the Pennsylvania American Legion State Convention. Also eligibility to compete nationally for an additional scholarship.
- First runner up: $5,000; second runner-up $4,000
- National finals: $25,000 for first place, $22,500 for second place, and $20,000 for third place. Each department winner who is certified and participants in the first round of the national contest receives a $2,000 scholarship. Each first round winner who advances to and participants 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.
The contest is part of a national program launched in 1938 (with Pennsylvania department level events dating back decades). It aims to enhance constitutional understanding, leadership, public speaking, and civic awareness in students.
Jackson Sauders' powerful argument to "Get in the Game" resonated not only with judges but with a generation invited to participate in democracy with purpose and passion. His victory reflects not only personal excellence but the strength of well-estabilished tradition: the American Legion Oratorical Contest, which for nearly a century has cultivated informed, articulate, and engaged young citizens.
