Purpose The purpose of The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program 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.
Scholarships Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $138,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16,000, and third gets $14,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $1,500 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $1,500 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States. Eligibility Eligible participants in The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest shall be citizens of or lawful permanent residents of the United States. All contestants must be bona fide students under the age of twenty (20) years on the date of the National Contest who are presently enrolled in a high school or junior high school (public, parochial, military, private or state accredited home school) in which the curriculum of said high school is considered to be of high school level, commencing with grade nine (9) and terminating with grade twelve (12). Students must be enrolled in high school or junior high school during the time of participation at any level of The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest. Contestants must either be legally domiciled within or attend an educational institution within the Department (State) that they enter competition. Contestants can enter competition through only one Department. The three finalists of the National Contest will be ineligible for further participation at any level. For Additional Information: - Download the 2012-2013 Nebraska Oratorical Contest Schedule. - Visit The American Legion Oratorical Contest web page for information about the program. - Contact American Legion Department of Nebraska Assistant Adjutant Brent Hagel-Pitt at 402-464-6338. |
