The American Legion Department of Arizona proudly announces, The American Legion Oratorical state finals to be held at Benson High School. Located at 360 S. Patagonia St. Benson Az 85602. On March 2, 2019, at 9 AM.
The American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Contest was started to develop a better understanding 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. The contestants are expected to deliver a prepared oration, in addition to delivering a free-form oration on an assigned topic. Contestants compete first at the local level at their closest American Legion Post. The winners of the local contests advance to the District, then to the Department finals. The winner of the Department contest will receive a $1,500.00 scholarship and will advance to the National American Legion Oratorical Contest in Indianapolis, Indiana. Second place contestant will receive a $1,000.00 scholarship and third place $750.00 scholarship.
Eligible participants in the contest shall be citizens of or lawful permanent residents of the United States. All contestants must be bona fide students herein described as any student under the age of twenty (20) years on the date of the National Contest who is presently enrolled in a high school or junior high school (public, parochial, military, private or state accredited home school) in which the curriculum of said high school is considered to be of high school level, commencing with grade nine (9) and terminating with grade twelve (12). Students must be enrolled in high school or junior high school during the time of participation at any level of The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contests. Contestants must either be legally domiciled within or attend an educational institution within the Department (State) that they enter competition. Contestants can enter competition through only one Department.
Arizona in the past, has had a National winner of The American Legion National High School Oratorical contest. This event is open to the public and we encourage you to come out and support The American Legion children and youth programs and our finalists for this year.
