Oratorical Contest

2022 North Carolina Oratorical Winner Aliza Jankowsky from Green Hope High School

"Recently, I had the privilege of serving as a judge for the state finals of the American Legion’s Oratorical Contest in Shelby. Since 1938, this contest has allowed participants from various backgrounds with opportunities to develop an in-depth understanding of leadership qualities, the history of America’s laws, and public speaking. The students who participated in the contest are truly the next civic leaders, business leaders, and community leaders that will shape the future of America."  US Congresswoman, 5th District, Virginia Foxx, 2021

Each year The Department of North Carolina joins the 54 other departments and the over 10,000 local posts in The American Legion High School Oratorical Contest.

The contest, open to US citizens or lawful residents 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 clicking the links below, contacting NC Department Headquarters or by visiting the National Headquarters Oratorical 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 (quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals) to become the national champion.

Past Oratorical Competition Pictures

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 $25,000, $22,500 and $20,000.

Click on the links below for complete contest rules or contact for more information on Oratorical contests and scholarships up to and including the department finals.

2022 Oratorical Contest / Scholarship Information

• 2023 Oratorical Promotional Brochure
• 2023 NC Oratorical Contest Packet
• 2023 National Oratorical Contest Rules Brochure
• 2023 Oratorical Chairman's Guide

Resources

• Volunteer Background Check and Abuse Awareness Training
• National Competition Videos
• Oratorical Judging, Scoring & Tabulation
• Oratorical Volunteers
• Oratorical National PSA's
• Topics

Oratorical Contest Dates and Information:

• School contests completed - Dec. 17, 2023
• Post Contests: Dec 18, 2023 - Jan 15, 2024
• District contests: Jan 16 - Feb 11, 2024
• Division Contests: Feb 12 - Feb 26, 2024
• Department Final: March 2024 (TBA).  Details: Doors open at 11am Contest begins at 12pm Contestants need to arrive no later than 11am
• National is April 21-23, 2023 
• If any contests are not listed above, please call.

District and Division Chairmen, remember to report your Contest Dates to Department as soon as your plans are made. It will also be imperative that you keep your contestants aware of their contest dates in your respective districts as turnaround time is very tight for Department to get letters out to the winners at the various levels. National rules apply to all levels of competition in North Carolina. Please review your American Legion National Official rules as well as your Chairman’s guide.