oratorical scholarship contest
History
The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. For more information, contact your local American Legion.
Eligibility
High school students under age 20 are eligible. This includes home schooled students.
Process
Competition begins at the Post level starting in September. Department competition is held at Spring Conference, usually in March for Virginia. Legion Department representatives certify one winner per state to the National contest. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers.
Rules
Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Prepared speeches are eight to 10 minutes long and assigned topics are three to five minutes. The presentation is done without props, note cards, microphone or podium.
Assigned Topics
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
Amendment XIV, Section 1
All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
Amendment XVI
The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration. States.
Incentives
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.
Bingo
The time is finally here. We will be REOPENING BINGO on Sunday. Games start at 1:30p.m., doors open at 12pm. There will not be a concession stand or ice maker available at this time. The plan is to schedule it once a month until the dust settles and sessions run smoothly.
- Initial packets are $40 or $25: includes Early Bird, Admission and Jackpot.
- Sales of initial packs will stop when game 1 starts. Additional sheets and progressives can be purchased throughout gaming period.
- Please adhere to BINGO rules and regulations as we would like for the events to continue.
- Be respectful and patient towards the volunteers, we can't run things without them.
- There is no smoking, vaping or dipping within the Legion Hall.
So, dust off the good luck charms, unpack your daubers, don't forget your drink and GOOD LUCK/HAPPY WINNINGS!!!!