High School Oratorical Contest
The purpose of The American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest is to develop a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States on the part of high school students. Other objectives of the contest include the development of leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and intelligently, and the preparation for acceptance of the duties and responsibilities, the rights and privileges of American citizenship.
Post 3 offers the Oratorical Contest to high school students, which is based on the Constitution of the United States. Post 3 awards the following awards to winners: 1st place - $1000., 2nd Place - $600., 3rd Place - $400. The winner has the opportunity to further compete at the zone, state, and national level contests. Cost to Post 3 is $2000.
Make our effort to educate our children on the US Constitution a success. David Rogers (864.230.5082, 51dlrogers@gmail.com) still needs volunteers to act as judges and in supporting roles. All are welcome to attend and witness the speeches from the students. Volunteer one Saturday morning to this important cause. Given recent national events, can you think of anything more worthy and timely?
High school students of Greenville County have been invited by The James F. Daniel, Jr. Post #3 of the American Legion to compete in the national American Legion 83rd Annual High School Oratorical Scholarship Program, “A Constitutional Speech Contest“. The invitation to enter the competition is extended by the Post Commander, Rich Cochran.
The subject in the Prepared Oration must be about some aspect of the Constitution of the United States, emphasizing the duties and obligations of a citizen to the United States government. The Prepared Oration must be the original effort of each contestant and must be 8-10 minutes in length. At the Quadrant, South Carolina Department and National contests, the winner of our Post contest will also present a 3-5 minute oration on one of the four topics which are listed on page 2 of the Department contest rules. The Department rules are on the internet at scarolinalegion.org, then to Programs.
The American Legion Post #3 contest will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2020, at 10 AM, at the Post in Greenville, at the intersection of North Main and Academy Streets. The Post will award a $1,000 scholarship to the winner of its contest. The second place contestant will receive a $600 scholarship and the third place winner a $400 scholarship. The winner will advance to the Quadrant contest in the upstate South Carolina area, and then, hopefully, to the Department contest in Columbia.
The South Carolina Department winner will be awarded a scholarship of $2,000 and advance to the National Contest. First Runner-Up at the State level will receive a $1,000 scholarship. The third and fourth place winners will each receive $500 scholarships.
The Department winner who participates in the first round of the National Contest will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Each First Round winner who advances to and participates in the Second Round, but does not advance to the Final Round, will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship.
The National Contest will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana. The American Legion will pay the expenses of the State winner at the National Contest. The National Contest scholarship awards are as follows: 1st Place- $18,000; 2nd Place- $16,000; 3rd Place- $14,000.
Students in Greenville County who are interested in entering the competition should contact their school guidance counselor, Speech Teacher or Debate Team advisor or contact the Post 3 at info@talpost3greenvillesc.org