The contest, open to US citizens or lawfull resident under the age of 20 and currently enrolled in grade 9-12, is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to increase their knowledge of the US Constitution and with public speaking skills that can help them with advancement in their chosen profession. Complete rules can be obtained by contacting department headquarters or by visiting the national headquarters web page.

North Carolina students begin their advance toward the national finals at their local high school. Each contestant gives an 8 to 10 minute prepared speech on what it means to be a citizen under the US Constitution. Each student must also speak from 3 to 5 minutes on an "assigned topic" drawn at the contest from a list of 4 predefined topics. This topic will be the same for all contestants in the contest once drawn.

School winners have the opportunity to compete in and advance past county, district and division contests to reach the department contest. Department winners travel to The American Legion's national headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana where they can advance through 3 rounds of contests(quater-finals, semi-finals and finals) to become the national champion.

In addition to scholarship awards presented by local posts the Department of North Carolina provides scholarships for participants of the division and department contests. The national organization provides scholarships for those who compete in the 3 rounds in Indianapolis with the top 3 contestants receiving $18,000, $16,000 and $14,000.

Visit the national headquarters web page for complete contest rules or contact NC department headquarters Information on contests and scholarships up to and including the department finals.click here.

2008 State Oratorical Contest
2008 State Finals Information and Directions
2008 Contest Schedule
2007/08 Flyer
2007/08 Poster
2007/08 Brochure
2007/08 Chairman Guide
2007 Department Winners
2006 State Finals Information
2006 Division Winners