Each year, local American Legion posts across the nation host a constitutional speech contest referred to as the “Oratorical Contest.” The High School Oratorical Scholarship Program is a public speaking contest for high school students designed to develop a deeper knowledge of the US Constitution. Other objectives include development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently and preparation for American citizenship.
The contest begins at the local level as a Legion Post contest and culminates with a national competition. Scholarship awards are presented to finalists ranging from $125 for local post winners and growing to $18,000 for the national champion.
The contest has two sections. The first is an eight to 10 minute original prepared oration on some aspect of the US Constitution with emphasis on the duties and obligations of a citizen to our government. The second section is an assigned topic discourse, between three to five minutes in length on one of four possible topics dealing with different Amendments to the US Constitution.
The contest is open to students enrolled in public, private, parochial and home schools. Students interested in American government, history, debate or improving their public speaking abilities should consider this contest.
The two American Legion posts in Fayette County will each be holding their own respective Oratorical Contests.
The Peachtree City Post 50 contest will be held at 1 p.m. at the Commemorative Air Force Hanger, 1200 Echo Court (Falcon Field), in Peachtree City on Saturday, Jan. 22.
The Fayette County Post 105 will hold their contest at 6:30 p.m. at the Log Cabin, 180 S. Glynn St. in Fayetteville on Thursday, Feb. 3. Students may choose to attend either or both competitions.
For complete information on rules and topics, see the American Legion website: http://www.legion.org/oratorical/about.
For additional information and to register for each individual contest, for the Peachtree City Post 50 (Jan. 22) contest, contact James Causey, james.causey@comcast.net. For the Fayette County Post 105 (Feb. 3) contest, contact David Niebes deniebes@aol.com.
