Oratorical Program

You can talk your way through college if you’re a winner in the American Legion National High School Oratorical contest.

The Oratorical contest was developed primarily to instill a better knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States in high school students. Other objectives include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

Another purpose of the program is to assist students in paying the high cost of a college education. The Department of Pennsylvania American Legion awards the first place winner a $7,500 scholarship, plaque and expense paid trip to the Pennsylvania American Legion State convention to present his/her winning oration, plus the opportunity to represent Pennsylvania in the National and Regional Contests and receive an additional $1,500 scholarship from the National Organization. The second place winner receives a $5,000 scholarship and plaque and the third place winner receives a $4,000 scholarship and plaque.

The winner of the Pennsylvania Oratorical contest will move onto the National American Legion Oratorical program and will be eligible to win 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..

2024 National Oratorical Contest

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.

Post locator

Any applications/forms for this program can be found on the forms page.

For additional information please go to our National American Legion website.