American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest

The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest is a competitive public-speaking contest focused on the U.S. Constitution. It is open to junior high and high school students and involves prepared orations and assigned-topic discourses delivered under time limits. Participants advance through local, department, and national levels, and finalists receive scholarship awards. The contest follows detailed guidelines to ensure fairness and to promote understanding of citizens' duties and obligations.

Scholarship awards for finalists

Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; must be under age 20 on the date of the national contest; must be enrolled in a high school or junior high school with coursework at a high school level; must be domiciled within or attending a school in the department where entering competition. Early graduates may compete if not enrolled in a postsecondary institution at the time of department finals.

Prepare an original 8–10 minute oration on an aspect of the U.S. Constitution and comply with contest rules; participate at local and department levels and advance to national finals; deliver a 3–5 minute assigned-topic discourse revealed shortly before presentation.