National High School Oratorical Contest
VerifiedCompetition
- Award
- National winner $25,000; second $22,500; third $20,000; each state winner in the national first round $2,000, plus $2,000 more for advancing past round one. Over $203,500 total.
- Deadline
- Starts at the local post level; post and department (state) contest dates are set locally
- How to apply
- Contact a local American Legion post or your state department to enter. Prepare an 8 to 10 minute oration on the Constitution plus an assigned-topic discourse (2027 topics are posted).
- What you'll need
- A speech or recorded oration
- A finalist round or selection weekend
- Who can apply
- Students under age 20 enrolled in high school (grades 9 to 12, public, private, parochial, military or home school) who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
- Good to know
- Scholarships may be used at any U.S. college or university.
- Details
- CivicsPermanent residents eligible