ORATORICAL
The purpose of The American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest 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.
The National High School Oratorical Contest is open to junior high and high school students who are under the age of 20 and citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States. You must prepare an oration on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. A complete list of topics will become available on the Legion's Web site when the National contest is finalized. Each individual state winner certified into and participating in the first round of the national contest receives an additional $1,500 scholarship.
For more information contact Mr. Patrick Hawley, Post 24 Oratorical Chairman,
email - Post24Oratorical@gmail.com
The American Legion Oratorical Speech Contest Tentative Date is
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Time:
- Audience to arrive by 12:30 PM, and be seated by 12:45 PM.
- Committee Members arrive by 12:00 Noon, judges to Club room by 12:15 PM
- Contest starts at 1:00PM sharp, with a final awards start time about 2-2:30 PM
Location:
American Legion, Post 24 Headquarters
400 Cameron Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22313
(enter on the Cameron Street entrance, up the short flight of stairs)
NOTE: Main door locks at 12:55 PM, after that enter through lower stairs by flag pole.
If you are interested in observing this contest, please send a message to: Post24Oratorical@gmail.com
High School Oratorical Scholarship Program
(Overview)
Link to National Oratorical website: http://www.legion.org/oratorical/about
Local Post 24 (Alexandria) Oratorical Scholarship Program
Deadline to apply: November 8, 2015
Eligibility: High School Students, Grades 9 – 12
Age: must be under age 20 on April 15 th, 2015
Application Process: To apply please send an eMail message to: Post24Oratorical@gmail.com, Subject Line: Oratorical Program-Application (or Oratorical Program-Question)
In Body of eMail include:
- Student’s Name, High School Attending,
- High School Class (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior),
- Age, Phone Number, and email address
Upon receiving your application, you will receive a confirmation eMail message stating whether you are selected as a registered contestant (thus your application was approved), or if your application was not selected the reason why you were not selected.
Between now and November 8, it is advisable to research the Oratorical Scholarship program (see link above), and prepare for the local contest on December 6, 2015.
On November 8, an e-mail from the committee will be sent to registered contestants explaining the procedures for the local Oratorical Contest Program, preparatory planning, and details of the contest day (Sunday, December 6, 2015).
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs): the committee will provide additional information on this website which will address many potential questions. As registered contestants ask questions, the committee will determine if the questions and answers will be shared with all registered contestants.
Good luck, register early, as the Oratorical Committee will only accept 10 valid applications.