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.
Past winners of the Post 37 Oratorical Contest have gone on to win both District and State competition and participate at the National level for Scholarships. Students from 9th Grade on up to 12th are elgible to participate in the contests on up until you win the National Contest. The scholorship money earned compounds the more contests you win!!!
National Contest
First Place is $25,000
Second Place is $22,500
Third Place is $20,000
Department Contest
First Place is $1,000
Second Place is $500
Third Place is $250
District Contest
First Place is $200
Second Place is $125
Third Place is $75
Post Contest
First Place is $200
Second Place is $125
Third Place is $75
For Information on the 2024 Contest Contact - Valerie Scheuering e-mail nvnative1959@sbcglobal.net
Post 37 Contest scheduled 6 pm on 4 January 2024 at 1150 Flint St
Assigned Topics for 2024 Oratorical Contest
Amendment II – A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment XXIII – The District constituting the seat of Government of the United States shall appoint in such manner as the Congress may direct:
A number of electors of President and Vice President equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives in Congress to which the District would be entitled if it were a State, but in no event more than the least populous State; they shall be in addition to those appointed by the State, but they shall be considered, for the purposes of the election of President and Vice President, to be electors appointed by a State; and they shall meet in the District and perform such duties as provided by the twelfth article of amendment.
Amendment XXV, Section 3 – Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.
Amendment V – No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, not be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.